The sheriff's office announced the arrests in alphabetical order: Jerald Anderson, 35, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to sell marijuana (21 Counts) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (8 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (2 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1count) Unlawful use of two-way communication device (1 count) Possession of cannabis over 20 grams (1count) Possession of cannabis with intent to sell (1count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1count) Maintaining a vehicle for drugs (1count) Driving with a suspended license (1count), George Ashe, 43, of Bartow was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana(2 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), William Byrd, 29, of Lakeland was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase cannabis (4 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Fenel Celestin, 33, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in methamphetamine (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of Xanax (1 count) Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (1 count) Possessing a structure to traffic drugs (1 count) possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Ashauntea Dias, 20, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of heroin (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a delinquent (1 count), Kelvin Eads, 47, of Frostproof was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Patrick Fields, 34, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in methamphetamine 28 grams or more (1 counts) Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine 28 grams or more (1 count) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (1 count) Unlawful use of two-way communication device (1 count) Possession of marijuana over 20 grams Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy) Possession of drug paraphernalia Maintaining a residence for drugs, Silvia Gonzalez, 41, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (5 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (8 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Johnny Hamilton, 55, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Resisting an officer without violence (1 count) Possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of codeine with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Terrance Hamilton, 48, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, Shantavis Handford, 19, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Clifford Hart, 35, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (3 counts) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (30 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Julie Howell, 34, of Lakeland was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Trafficking in methamphetamine (1 count), Jackquez Irving, 28, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (2 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Kerry Johnson, 42, of Orlando was arrested in Orange County for a Polk County warrant for: Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Adrienne Kinsler, 31, of Plant City was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of oxycodone (1 count) Possession of marijuana under 20 grams (1 count) Possession of prescription medication without a prescription (1 count), Jose Lopez-Ortiz, 26, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (8 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count). The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. During the investigation, Stanton, from within the federal prison in Atlanta, coordinated and arranged with undercover detectives the purchase and delivery of approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Polk County, Florida. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. "This is the single largest seizure of drugs and arrests made in the history of Polk County during an undercover wiretap investigation. Approximately 2.4 pounds of marijuana (street value: approximately $7,000) 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! Judd asked as he donned a large gold chain, one of the pieces of jewelry seized in the investigation. POLK COUNTY, Fla. It all started with the interception of an envelope filled with Xanax pills and ended with the seizure of the largest volume of methamphetamine in the history of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Within minutes of the wiretap starting, Judd said detectives heard chatter about an unsolved homicide that the Winter Haven Police Departmentis investigating. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The street value on all of this is $54 million dollars@PolkCoSheriff on the largest drug bust Polk County has ever seen. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). Officials say they recovered There needs to be a deep dive into the baggage handling and to see where the hookup was to allow suitcase after suitcase after suitcase to get through the scanning with no clothes inside no evidence of clothes inside just drugs, he said. All of this drug here was not destined for Polk County, just a piece of it, Judd said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office) A two-year investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in 85 arrests and the seizure of more than $12.8 million worth of drugs, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Mason was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. About - Abuse - Contact Us - Disclaimers - Donate - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use -, 2020-2021 - Cop Blaster: Police Misconduct Reporting & Monitoring -, The Future of Law Enforcement Accountability, Jonathan Mcmillen-Memphis Informant-Snitch- Lil Wyte Affiliate, Sue Your Snitch! "You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? [TRENDING: How much? After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Stackhouse was released from jail on May 31, after posting bond in the amount of $116,250, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him. They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case, officials said. During an interview, Meers told detectives that Stanton coordinated the delivery of the methamphetamine and that he pays her $500 for every kilo (2.2 pounds) of methamphetamine she delivers. The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. Investigators learned that the suspects smuggled large amounts of drugs from Mexico into California, then transported the drugs on domestic flights from Los Angeles through Memphis, Tennessee and then to Orlando International Airport. The drugs were then transported by ground from the airport into Polk County. The first and biggest bust occurred on Oct. 12 when Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, of Raleigh; Pedro Mondragon, 27, of Lillington; and Ignacio Rodriguez, 28, Bradenton, Florida, were arrested in connection to the largest drug bust in the history of Polk County, Florida. Through our partnership with Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia, our detectives took a huge amount of meth off the street and shut down an active drug trafficker operating out of a federal prison.. On March 19, 2021, Stanton, still from within the federal prison, arranged for another 35 pounds of methamphetamine to be delivered by Meers to PCSO undercover detectives. 5 vehicles seized (1 was reported as a stolen vehicle) Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up,, The new orlandosentinel.com: FAQs and more, Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says, Florida makes it impossible to check voter eligibility, then pulls out handcuffs | Commentary, Mental well-being drives our ability to flourish | Commentary, Weather clears for successful SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, High school scores and top performers from Saturday, April 29. Detectives found luggage containing about 35 pounds of meth in Meers truck, the PCSO said. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. Police say they seized: 268 pounds of Methamphetamine ($9,725,040 street value) 31 pounds of Cocaine ($1,405,337 street value) 180 pounds of Cannabis ($1,628,357 How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? 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The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are pending. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. Judd used the news conference to make political statements. Hes served three stints in prison. Judd said the investigation is ongoing and there were suspects the Sheriff's Office was still looking for. Only a portion of the seized drugs would have been sold on the street in Polk County, and the rest would have been distributed through the country, he said. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, 268 pounds of Methamphetamine ($9,725,040 street value), 31 pounds of Cocaine ($1,405,337 street value), 180 pounds of Cannabis ($1,628,357 street value), 3.4 pounds of MDMA/Ecstasy ($84,601 street value), 6.8 ounces of Fentanyl ($26,880 street value), crashed his car into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in swimming pool, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life, Auburndale man arrested in connection with shooting that left three hospitalized, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation receives one of its largest financial gifts. A civilian budget analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was arrested after committing retail theft at a Walmart on Wednesday, according to Polk County deputies. The investigation, labeled Operation Dirty Water,has yielded six arrests so far, including a Winter Haven woman and others linked to a Mexican drug cartel, Judd said. Press Release. Polk County 'Operation Dirty Water': 6 charged in $54 million drug bust with ties to the Mexican cartel Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) Meers' previous criminal history includes 22 arrests in Georgia to include charges of drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, DUI, battery, theft, fraud, giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, and multiple probation violations. He is facing Polk County, Florida charges of: ", "Can y'all make a rap about this?" While searching one of the lab locations, federal and local officers discovered and dismantled an illegal cock-fighting ring headed by Isidoro Palacios, 59, of College Park, Georgia, the PCSO said. The Sheriff's Office said he is charged with DUI manslaughter in that incident and his criminal case is pending. The Polk County Sheriffs Office got a tip that someone was selling large amounts of drugs out of a home in the 200 block of Colorado Avenue in Lakeland. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. Violations may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or 3.4 pounds of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. Lenard Henderson, 42: Judd said Henderson was a large-scale cocaine supplier and a "ringleader." Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) POLK COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Multiple law enforcement agencies have taken down ten people in a drug bust in Polk County. HSI investigators have associated this illegal drug trafficking organization with the Juarez Mexican Cartel, a brutally violent cartel known for its targeted executions and violence. Judd said that among the suspects arrested were 690 felony previous charges, and 194 previous convictions. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Federal and local investigators took him down along with 18 alleged sub-dealers and buyers in the Lakeland area. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 85 arrests, the seizure of over $12.8 million worth of drugs, and the dismantling of an international drug trafficking organization whose ringleaders operated out of Winter Haven. The investigation, called "Operation No Snow," focused on the illegal sale of cocaine and meth, according to the Polk County 20 firearms seized (3 were reported as stolen) Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. The mastermind of the drug-trafficking network ran it from inside the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, where he is an inmate, he said. Im proud of the good work our detectives did to take these drugs off the street and send these traffickers to jail, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd told media on Friday that the investigation, which started in September 2020, resulted in the arrests of85 suspects who are now facing a total of 355 felony chargesand 93 misdemeanors. Ornelas-Martinez is in the United States illegally and is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said their narcotics detectives and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force made 29 arrests in the Lake Wales area and Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. Judd identified six people as the ring leaders: Demarcus Terrell Jefferson, 32, of Winter Haven, Dwayne Kenneth Stackhouse Sr., 39, of Lake Wales; Abadosh McKenzie, 41, of Riverview; Lenard Henderson, 42, of Polk County, Javarius Samuel, 31, of Fresno, California; Darmonte Munson, 30, of Winter Haven. Information uncovered during her arrest also led investigators to the location of methamphetamine conversion labs, additional arrests, the discovery of more than a dozen firearms, and the seizure of 1,416 pounds of crystalized and liquid meth. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Find out who's a rat by searching our snitch list containing information about known confidential informants, state's witnesses, and other snitches from our database. On April 20, detectives conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 27 in Davenport as Stackhouse was traveling from Orlando. Now shes an arrested girl," Judd said. Abadosh McKenzie, 41:The Sheriff's Office said McKenzie was identified as a counterfeit fentanyl pill supplier, as well as a supplier of methamphetamine, MDMA, and marijuana. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A 9-month long wiretap investigation helped lead to the arrest of over 70 suspects on drug charges in Polk County. These drug dealers have blood on their hands. A two-year investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in 85 arrests and the seizure of more than $12.8 million worth of drugs, This poison is really killing people, Lopez said. According to the The others arrested so far are Crescencio Ornelas-Loza, 30, of Fairburn, Georgia; and Luis Ornelas-Martinez, 50, of Stockbridge, Georgia. Example video title will go here for this video. Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) Cayson is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond. Both men were living illegally in the United States, Judd said. You can watch the full video below. Also seized at the residence was 24 pounds of THC edibles, 2.4 pounds of marijuana, and a pound of methamphetamine. The suspects previous criminal histories, he said, include 690 previous felonies, 712 previous misdemeanors, and 194 felony convictions. Possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2) The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. He lives in Riverview, but undercover detectives purchased drugs from him in Winter Haven, officials said. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, Approximately 22.4 pounds of marijuana seized (street value: approximately $100,000), Approximately 4.3 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $97,950), Approximately 1.7 pounds of cocaine seized (street value: approximately $81,000), Approximately 36.3 grams of Ecstasy (street value: approximately $3,630), Approximately 32 bags of THC candy (street value: approximately $640), Approximately 2.5 grams of heroin (street value: approximately $500), Approximately 5 grams of oxycodone seized (street value: approximately $100), New Port Richey dad dies while saving 6-year-old child from drowning, National Hurricane Center announces changes ahead of upcoming 2023 season, Elderly man with Alzheimer's found during search for robbery suspect in Tampa, Missing Arkansas teen found in Tampa more than two months after she was last seen, investigators say, Largo lawyer murder: Blood, firearms, $280,000 cash found in search of surgeon's vehicles, home, police say, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in swimming pool, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life, Auburndale man arrested in connection with shooting that left three hospitalized, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation receives one of its largest financial gifts. A recent traffic stop by Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers on a vehicle in the Town of Sarona, Washburn County led to the seizure of heroin, marijuana, mushrooms, ecstasy pills, prescription pills, a digital scale, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia along with nearly $1,500 in cash. "But here's the neat thing about Darmonte: He would go through the community, he provide fireworks on the holidays, he would have Christmas gift giveaways, he would provide Easter egg hunts. 1 federal inmate charged This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 37-year-old Brian Stantonis currently incarcerated in theAtlanta US Penitentiary, Georgia. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) All 18 people arrested in a multi-jurisdictional operation in South Rome remained in jail Monday on drug charges, pending bond hearings in Floyd County Superior Court. Stanton's criminal history includes 26 arrests in Georgia to include charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, threatening a law enforcement officer, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and numerous parole and probation violations. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said their narcotics detectives and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force made 29 arrests in the Lake Wales area and issued arrest warrants for three suspects related to the trafficking, sale and possession of illegal drugs. Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. 5 suspects arrested We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. His criminal history includes 2 arrests in Georgia with charges of trafficking in cocaine, illegal drug possession, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and driving without a valid license. As the investigation progressed, PCSO detectives learned of a suspected drug trafficker in Georgia,37-year-old Brian Stanton, known as "Lil B," who was arranging for the sale and delivery of methamphetamine in Polk County. But Meers visited a psychic who warned her that it wasnt a good time to travel to Florida, Judd said. Federal agents seized a parcel containing about 2,500 generic Xanax pills, PCSO said. WebUse this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. RELATED: Stepfather of boy rescued from abuse by Orlando restaurant manager gets life sentence. )], Judd said the investigation began in September 2020 when the sheriffs office received information a family in Winter Haven, identified as the Jefferson family, was smuggling large amounts of drugs into Florida from Mexico through California and then to the streets of Central Florida.. They were willing to send it here, he said. ", Domestic violence suspect:Man killed by Lake Wales police after fatally shooting K-9, 'He's dead now':Winter Haven man told 911 dispatcher he shot his father, PCSO says, Officer shot:Haines City Police officer recovering after beingshot during a traffic stop Sunday. "Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. This time, leading investigators to the United States Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta where 37-year-old Brian Staton, known as "Lil B" was being held. More on @BN9 pic.twitter.com/regN22z8G8. It really is a textbook case of interagency cooperation and coordination, he said. Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; 2023 www.theledger.com. The operation also involved the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office and seven law-enforcement departments in Georgia, the PCSO said. "He was the one who really put together the trips from LAX to Florida," Judd said. There would not be any gang wars and fights if there wasnt a market in the United States and around the world for this stuff, Judd said. Vincent Thomas, 35, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in Cocaine 400 grams or more (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (4 counts) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (9 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (1 count) Conspiracy to sell marijuana ( 141 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana ( 5 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count) Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of oxycodone (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of prescription medication without a prescription (1 count) Maintaining a structure to sell drugs (1 count)His criminal history includes 173 felonies and 16 misdemeanors. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Polk County history. Judd said suspects were active throughout Central Florida from Orlando to Tampa and in cities in Lake and Osceola counties among others, and arrests were made in several Florida counties as well as in California with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies. This story was originally published on April 30, 2021 and update reflects details of arrests. Florida transgender athlete ban heads to DeSantis' desk, Report: Cruises could restart this summer under CDC guidance, Video shows Hillsborough County deputy help alligator across busy intersection, Fact-checking President Biden's address to Congress, Republican response, COVID-19 vaccine specially developed for animals is on its way to ZooTampa, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. This was a very different kind of operation. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. Detectives involved in the investigation also uncovered during "Operation Dirty Water" that the drugs they seized and 6 people they charged had ties to the Jurez Cartel.
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