Fox News Flash top headlines for October 21. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. "Taking this much Fentanyl off the streets was a huge win for the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team in Marion County and Ocala because we prevented countless overdose deaths that's caused by this deadly drug," Douglas said. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. [Ocala Post has included the press conference video in its entirety. On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, investigators intercepted 44 pounds of methamphetamine at Loves Truck Stop, 1800 Florida 559, in Polk City. Legal Statement. Widdows and Scott bought Meth from Rojas and in turn were selling the meth on the streets of Polk County. The long-term investigation culminated on Thursday, August 7, 2014, at approximately 5:50 a.m., when the UDEST, along with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Ocala Police Department SWAT Teams, executed five (5) search warrants. It all stemmed from a shooting on Sunday. Fred Hiers. Tyler Scott is wanted for Possession of Methamphetamine, Sale of Methamphetamine and Own or Rent Structure for Knowingly Selling Drugs. "This poison is coming into the country across the border from Mexico, and we are going to continue our investigation into the Mexican drug cartels who are killing innocent people," Judd said in a statement. Marcus, Pressley, and Perez are back on the streets. Douglas added that in the first quarter of this year, UDEST arrested more than 80 people some of which are listed below with charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A shooting investigation lead Ocala police to uncover an interesting family dynamic. Reporter. As a result of an investigation that began October 2013, on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, Polk County Sheriffs Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force detectives, along with members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Orlando District Office, Florida Attorney Generals Office of Statewide Prosecution, and Lake County Sheriffs Office detectives, identified 25 suspects involved in an organized drug trafficking enterprise. Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. March 24, 2020. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 38th Ave., lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road 200 and State Road 40. Demasco Candid Lugo, 30, of 908 Ruth Avenue, Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. Castro Solache and Mondragon are charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. By. Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd is demanding answers. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests . Jason Andreo James, 41, faces several . NEVADA DEPUTIES HOSPITALIZED FROM FENTANYL EXPOSURE IN DRUG BUST, Local facilitator Ignacio Rodriguez showed up to the meeting with undercover detectives with two kilos of fentanyl hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. 0:37. Tutt was killed when deputies returned fire. When there was no answer, agents approached the metal building in the back and heard voices and doors slamming inside, as well as the odor of raw marijuana. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) announced Wednesday that they have seized more than 300 marijuana plants, plus an additional 300 packaged marijuana products. Nicole Radank, 33, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of an Altered Firearm, Possession of Cocaine (x2), Selling Cocaine, Possession of Xanax, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All rights reserved. Tapia has Prior convictions of: Resist Officer W/O Violence- 2010. We can help you take control and power away from the drug dealer and in so doing, maybe save your own life or the life of somebody else, Balken said. Its terrifying that number of people can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, and for those people that are watching this press conference later on, let me say this, I know that there are addicts out there that are going to see this, and Im going to ask you to do this, reach out for help. There are also plans to hand over those cases to the Office of the State Attorney after each investigation is done, with the intention of securing manslaughter indictments. FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of Daniel Battisti, located at 11 South Washington, Beverly Hills, as part of a routine probation check. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. "This shows drug dealers here we mean business," Dean said. There have been dozens of posts in regards to hand sanitizer(s) and pets. Battisti, who is on parole for grand theft from the state of New York, and is allowed in Florida by agreement of an interstate compact, was charged with the following: Possession of a Place to Manufacture a Controlled Substance when a Minor is Present or Resides there, Possession of Manufacturing Equipment, Possession of Paraphernalia, Trafficking in Cannabis, Trafficking in MDMA, Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell MDMA, Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis. Updated: Apr. Also, on Tuesday, March 18th, detectives arrested 13 suspects, seized tens of thousands of dollars, seven vehicles, approximately 100 weapons, bullet-proof vests and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Hernando County sheriff's deputies displayed 5,550 doses of heroin Friday, worth between $50,000 to $100,000 on the street, captured during the county's largest heroin bust in history. Debra Tapia, 50, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Possession of a Structure Used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Starks, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. Derrick Price was released from jail on August 9, 2014, at 5:17 a.m. [UPDATED On January 28, 2016, at 9:57p.m.]. Police said there . Criminal arrest history: 1992-DUI; 2005-Cocaine Trafficking; 2006-Amphetamine or Meth 14 grams or over; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams, Keep a Public Structure for Burglary Activity and Paraphernalia. Eddie Perez, 36, of Marion Oaks, was charged with Selling Oxycodone(x2), Possession of Oxycodone (x2), Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Hydrocodone, Possession of Sustanon(steroids), Possession of Viagra, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The individual noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape & contacted local authorities. Ocala, Florida -- On June 1, 2021,, FDA: Rat meat being served as chicken in Chinese and, Have you ever wondered what rat meat would taste like? Sheriff Grady Judd promises that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization. Investigators also learned Lopez and Flores consulted a Voodoo priest who would provide predictions, prophecies and readings regarding the organizations decisions and welfare. This search led to the arrest of Jeffery Conner for five counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. OCALA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Ocala police have released a video showing a drug bust. Detectives negotiated the purchase of $60,000 worth of fentanylon September 19. Both deputies recovered. K.C. "You don't get to that level without having connections; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations," Strow said. He is pleased with the overall outcome of the investigation but wants answers. Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, and Pedro Mondragon, 27, drove from North Carolina to Polk County on October 11 to meet with undercover detectives about another fentanyl sale. 14th St. "This is a good day for Marion County," said Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean, standing alongside several tables covered with bales of marijuana and bricks of cocaine, Uzis, AK-47s, AR-15s, handguns and cash - part of the payoff from the weekend sweep. 0:00. // ]]> 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. Francis was charged with armed trafficking in Fentanyl (over 200 grams); armed trafficking in crystal methamphetamine (over 28 grams); possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; child neglect; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a structure for distribution of controlled substances; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of drug paraphernalia and warrants for past charges of trafficking in cocaine (28 grams or more) and possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture or distribute. Sheriff Grady Judd said, when certain individuals make national TV appearances and tell the public that drug dealers are not that bad or the offences are not that serious, they are not telling the truth. The victim in the shooting originally went to the home to buy some marijuana. Law enforcement arrests 83 people in Marion County involved in drug trafficking, Trial dates set for Gerhardt accused of killing Demiah Appling of Dixie County, North Central Florida Treasures: Antique Erie Fluter, Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. This afternoon Im at @ocalapd for a press conference with UDEST to speak on the opioid epidemic and the arrest of 83 people involved with drugs in Marion Co. @WCJB20 @MCSOFlorida pic.twitter.com/3qW2x9taCc. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. That's exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO'd the largest drug trafficking ring in Marion County's history. The UDEST commander cited the recent arrest of 26-year-old Noah Steven Francis, of Summerfield, as one of the biggest his team has made. Some have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said. The big scale when you look at it, and you look at the big picture, some would say its something we just cant beat, I dont believe that. Melinda Baker-Ruiz, 34, of 908 Ruth Avenue Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010. The UDEST is made up of members from the Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ocala Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. independent local journalism in Miami. Muse is being held in lieu $250,000 and Shackleford, $150,000. During an executed search warrant, at a duplex home on NE 3rd Street in Ocala, detectives found more than six pounds of marijuana, narcotics including fentanyl, guns and other stolen items. He had two kilos hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. With a search warrant in hand, detectives, along with probation officers, entered the home and found 167 grams of methamphetamine, 100.2 grams of cocaine, 691 tablets of prescription drug cyclobenzaprine, 89 tablets of prescription drug tizanidine, 60 pills of MDMA/Molly, 1,960 grams of leaf cannabis and 30.1 pounds of processed cannabis wax, totaling 34.3 pounds of cannabis. ocala-legacy. Britain health officials then notified the CDC. 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. August 8, 2014. or redistributed. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. Now retired, Deputy Paul Fairbanks was shot three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot four times. Feds Plan to Seize Russian Oligarch's Luxe Fisher Island Properties, Miami Canal Flooded With Turd Water From Contractor-Involved Pipe Break, Collapse of "Let's Go Brandon" Meme Coin Sparks Billion-Dollar Court Battle, Gator Gets in on the Action at Tampa Bay Horse Race, Readers Warn of Traffic, "Bloodsport" Driving After. Price told investigators that he began selling drugs because he could not find a job and he needed bill money. // ]]> Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. Both men are due back in court on October 19 at 9 a.m., according to jail records. Tara Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 7-year minimum mandatory sentence, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show] Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. Also known as J. Felix Mondragonnunez and Duque Nunez Gonzalo, among other aliases, Mondragon was arrested for conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and is being held on $500,000 bond. -. At approximately 2:30 a.m, Friday, June 25, 2010, Deputies Mike Braswell and Paul Fairbanks were patrolling in the area of Plateau Avenue and Josephine Street in the Wabash area of unincorporated Polk County near Lakeland. Copyright 2021 WCJB. Beverly Hills/Crystal River On June 14th, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Probation Office, completed the largest drug seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Mary Pressley, 23, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. Derrick Price, 43, of Marion Oaks was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone (x3), Selling Cocaine (x3), Possession of Cocaine (x3), Armed Trafficking in Cocaine, Armed Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methadone, Possession of Xanax, and Resisting Arrest. Many Florida officials and legislators feel that Florida should follow Mississippis lead, however some residents are not convinced it is the right move and fear it will open the door for profiling. Experts say if a recipient has nothing to hide; then what would a welfare recipient need to be worried about? It is comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement from the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriffs Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security. According to Sheriff Grady. The organization included a network of couriers, managers, distributors and customers. The illegal narcotics worth. Criminal Arrest History includes Burglary; Grand Theft; Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting; 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief; 2004-Felony Criminal Mischief. Ma-Concepcion Lopez, 38, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland, claims she is married to Rojas. Rodriguez showed up to the meeting in Polk County with five of the six kilograms. Criminal Arrest History: Assault, Battery on LEO, Resisting without Violence and Deprive Officer of Weapon , 2004 Cocaine possession w/intent to sell, Purchase Narcotics 2007. Drug ringleader busted in Marion Oaks. Dandridge and most of the suspects pleaded to reduced charges, and he was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison. Castro Solache is in the country illegally and has a Border Patrol hold in the Polk County Jail. The high-volume of drug trafficking bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy enough to "pop up on the radar screen." Starks, 42, of Marion Oaks, was charged with Selling Cocaine (x3), Possession of Cocaine (x3), Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (x2), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Miami's independent source of He said during a multitude of investigations, they seized more than 300 marijuana plants, an additional 300 pounds of marijuana packed for distribution, more than one kilogram of concentrated THC derivatives, one and a half kilos of cocaine, one kilo of heroin, 36 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, three kilograms of Fentanyl, 21 guns and more than $180,000 in cash. Eugenia Lopez, 29, of 402 Wildlife Trail Lakeland is charged with Possession of a Place or Structure being Used for the Sale of a Controlled Substance. A drug bust in Polk County that public assistance officials should have answers for and that has Florida residents, including law enforcement officials fuming with anger, is one of the largest in Central Florida History in regards to the . During the course of the investigation, detectives and agents learned two of those involved in the methamphetamine network were Josh Widdows, 30, of 5339 Meadow Grove Trail, Lakeland, and TJ Scott, 24, of 7708 Glen Meadow Drive, Lakeland. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. 2023 www.ocala.com. OCALA - In the boxing ring, when someone takes a shot to the body, it often knocks the wind out of them. A drug bust in Florida led to the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill at least 500,000 people, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. If convicted, he faces up to 105 years in prison. Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. Northwest Florida / 1 day ago. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Joshua Widdows is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Small and Daniel J. Colburn, both of Ocala; Jose Delasancha-Delgado and Feliciano perez-James of Deland; Jose Galarza-Escobar of Marietta, Ga.; and Adrian Galarza-Popoca of Atlanta, Ga. Two other men, Bryan Muse and Noah Shackleford of Kentucky, had allegedly just made a drug purchase from Dandridge to take back to Kentucky when they were arrested in Alachua County. Joel Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, a first degree felony, mandating a three year minimum mandatory sentence; Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams; Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. . (Fox News). Douglas said its no secret that Marion County has been experiencing an increase in overdoses and his team decided it was time to go after the drug traffickers responsible. The busts were part of Operation Life Saver, an ongoing effort by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) targeting drug traffickers. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Join the New Times community and help support (DEA). He suggested wearing a mask and gloves, and that they drink milk before ingesting the drug to help with feelings of tightness in their chests. Others arrested were Steven J. All rights reserved. Yes, you read correctly. Law enforcement seize 275 marijuana plants in northeast Ocala drug bust By Staff Report September 15, 2021 Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. Criminal Arrest History: Traffic Amphetamine, Possession with Intent, Possession over 20 Grams, Keep Structure for Drug Activity, Possession of Drugs-Equipment. At the time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors. Collectively, the street value of these illegal substances is estimated to be $970,000, the largest street value seizure in the agencys history. UNIFIED DRUG ENFORCEMENT STRIKE TEAM . Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said there have been nearly 900 overdoses in the city since mid-2017, with 119 of those people losing their lives. Kirkland has been charged with attempted murder, and a number of other drug related charges. A drug bust in Polk County that public assistance officials should have answers for and that has Florida residents, including law enforcement officials fuming with anger, is one of the largest in Central Florida History in regards to the purest form of Meth, which is ICE. He was convicted in 1997 of running a $3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family members and his girlfriend. We can help you take control away from the drug dealers and in so doing maybe save your own life and the life of somebody else.. Do you think Florida should drug test welfare recipients or prevent felons that have been convicted of alcohol or drug related offenses from receiving assistance? This single opportunity to work in cooperation with the Florida Department of Corrections resulted in nearly a million dollars worth of drugs and guns taken off the streets of Citrus County., Citrus County Sheriffs Office |Citrus County Clerk of the Court |Citrus County Fire Rescue |Citrus County Property Appraiser | Inverness Fire Rescue | Citrus County Tax Collector | Citrus County Child Advocacy | Citrus County Humane Society |Citrus County Animal Services |Florida Travel | Ocala Post. Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. After the deal went bad, he found his way to the hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injuries where police were able to interview him. Marcus Starks, 35, of Marion Oaks, the brother of K.C. They also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and ammunition - all in just three months. Local facilitator Ignacio Rodriguez showed up to the meeting with undercover detectives with two kilos of fentanyl hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. Officials said that the arrest of Noah Francis in Summerfield was their biggest bust of the bunch, as they were able to recover two kilograms of fentanyl, the drug that is most commonly the cause of over dose deaths. 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