SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. The arrests followed a six-month investigation that was initiated because of complaints from those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods. A criminal defense attorney could help their clients prepare a strong defense to counter the charges, and if the evidence was obtained under suspicious circumstances, a skilled attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. 2023 (7) COPYRIGHT SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 2019. "They were using a broker in California working as a conduit between buyers here in Central Florida and growers of the marijuana in California," Captain Sammy Gibson of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said. "I never thought we would have to be worried about someone running a drug treatment facility dealing and administering drugs on the inside of the location. "Kids smoke pot. Aug 01, 2022 at 7:00 am Seminole County Court Judge Group 5: Sandy Buie, Ken Lester and Erik Swenk Watch on The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board interviews, Sandy Buie, Ken Lester and. A man accused of stealing two police cruisers was taken into custody with the help of the Volusia County sheriff on Thursday, according to the sheriffs office. Board of County Commission District 2; Board of County Commission District 4; County Court Judge; . SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriffs Office is working to get drugs off the street and prevent more overdoses. winter spring, fl 32708 21 non-hispanic case: 482022mo001099o orange county sheriff office 843.15(1)(b) misdemeanor / first degree failure of defendant to appear daniel, jimkey rapha 23005157 b / m brc-mbf-na kissimmee, fl 34746 24 non-hispanic case: fhp23on0103678 florida highway patrol Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. WFTV asked for a comment from UCF President John Hitt, but did not get a response from the administration. Operation Sundown took nearly $300,000 worth of drugs off the streets, and most of the drugs seized are believed to be from the states. Investigators said the dealers were getting rich by selling their drugs to UCF students. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated . Seminole County cops arrest 19 in drug case, Man Found Asleep on a Florida Highway Charged with DUI, Florida Man Arrested for Assaulting an 82-year-old Woman. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The arrests followed a six-month investigation that was initiated because of complaints from those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods. SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. Florida 13 hours ago. The Seminole County sheriff says two groups that were pumping heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout Seminole County are out of business. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. "No, not at all, that's why this is such a shock to me. Phone: (407) 665-6650. So far in 2018, 54 people have died due to drug overdose, and that is a record. Though owners did not respond to a request for comment, workers said they were grateful for TPD intervention and had recently evicted numerous long term problem tennants. I'm not that shocked by it," freshman Kelsey Lacke said. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010. Is it going to shut it down? The numbers for 2009 haven't been finalized yet. WFTV learned much of the marijuana the ring sold had been grown legally in California under medical marijuana laws. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The students arrested are facing prison time. If that same statistic is true for UCF, than of the school's 53,500 students the drug operation had more than 16,000 potential customers. ", Fighter Law, in Orlando, Florida, serves Orlando and the central Florida region, including Thornton Park, Winter Park, College Park, Kissimmee, Sanford, Tavares, Titusville, Bartow, Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Brevard County, Osceola County and Polk County. (Spectrum News image). (Seminole County Sheriff's Office). FILE - Kodak Black arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif. A Florida judge issued an arrest warrant for the rapper, whose given name is Bill Kapri, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, for failing a drug test while on bail for a drug charge, court records show. But when delivery drivers transporting the drugs were caught by patrols in places like Oklahoma, they rented airplanes to smuggle the drugs to Central Florida. Deputies turned Cole's rented home upside down looking for drugs; every drawer was dumped out and they even pulled out the vents and looked inside the duct work. Six people were arrested on various possession and trafficking charges. Accessibility Statement. The deputies also located a semi-automatic Sig Sauer firearm inside the residence. "Sheriff Lemma considers this increase to be partially caused by the unintended consequences of COVID-19, and he is concerned about what the status of the opioid epidemic will be once COVID-19 begins to clear," they said. They are great people that are the best at what they do! Police said they had received complaints for months of drug sales at a home at 1129 Arbor Glen Circle. Operation Sundown involved members of the city and county investigative bureau, who spent five months infiltrating two criminal enterprises. Agents are still trying to figure out how Suarez was able to smuggle the marijuana into the United States. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Check out this flyer for Seminole County Drug Disposal Locations for DEA take back 2019 . . Crowe said she had no idea her boyfriend was selling marijuana. Hearing concerns directly from our residents and then quickly working to address these issues is a clear example of the cooperative partnerships our city is known for, and what will continue to make our city safer.". Drugs are deadly," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. Video: 11 arrested in Seminole County on drug charges. The two organizations were distributing $500,000 to $750,000 of pot per week. They said that Gilley sold the narcotics to undercover agents at her place of business, as well as her home on 2nd Street in Altamonte Springs. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - The operator of a Florida drug rehabilitation center has been arrested. During the search, police arrested 36-year-old Carl Justin Lewis VanSyckle. Florida sues realty company and reality-star founder for swindling homeowners across U.S. Authorities said the suspected dealers were distributing approximately 750 baggies of heroin-laced fentanyl a day. "Well, UCF being the third largest university in the country, it sounds like it, doesn't it?" Agents say South was head of the Florida region. Citrus County Sheriff's Office In bedroom of 51-year-old Kristen Leigh Schaefer, authorities found 0.24 grams of fentanyl, 0.67 grams of meth, 1 and 1/2 clonazepam pills, and a 1/4 of an alprazolam pill. He bought the marijuana from Mexico and California and shipped it across state lines. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection discovered 24 "possible violations" after a massive fish kill in January at a Winter Springs pond. They have been charged with importing cannabis from a different state and then selling it within the county. Daily Booking Report. Eighty-five suspects were arrested and over $12.8 million in drugs were confiscated in a two-year undercover drug trafficking investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said on Friday. "I've lived here nearly ten years. Authorities said the suspected dealers were distributing approximately 750 baggies of heroin-laced fentanyl a day. Last year in Seminole County, 34 deaths occurred due to drug overdose. (Seminole County Sheriff's Office) Members of a suspected drug ring arrested this week brought 25 to 30 kilograms of cocaine into Central Florida every month, Seminole County Sheriff. (video) | (images) SELKE Following leads from residents in Seminole County, the Seminole County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, Volusia County Sheriffs SWAT team, and the Sanford Police Departments Neighborhood Response Unit seized more than 22,000 small bags of heroin laced with fentanyl, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine and marijuana. Seminole County residents may safely dispose of old, expired or unwanted prescription medications at Prescription Drug Drop Off Boxes located at a variety of locations throughout the county. Nine suspects face charges including trafficking in cocaine and heroin and racketeering. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A major drug bust at a home in Northwest Jacksonville led to the arrests of six people and the seizure of 9 kilograms of cocaine, authorities said. Seminole County Sheriff's Office | Sanford FL After receiving several complaints of ongoing criminal activity occurring at hotels and motels in Seminole Heights, TPD began surveilling several businesses along Nebraska Avenue. "It's a big money-making opportunity. Depending on the circumstances surrounding their arrest, some of the suspects may be charged with felony drug charges and others with misdemeanor drug charges. Cox Media Group. A nearby neighbor of one of the homes that was part of the investigation says he thought they were an ordinary family that moved in a couple doors down. All rights reserved. On April 29 and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and. . Crime Map. Neighbors brought their concerns about the motel to Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor during a recent neighborhood roll call,aprogram that brings police officers and residents together to discuss issues within their communities. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. . Police said they had received complaints for months of. Its difficult to re-establish that pattern of distribution, [and] everyones going to be a little more nervous now. Search warrants were served at 10124 Nassau Court in . 22 It is the policy of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office to maintain a zero-tolerance for inmate-on-inmate sexual assault, staff sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and/or sexual harassment toward any inmate It is 421666 Be careful on the road Seminole County police frequencies are avilable here Mission & Core Values . Directory of interesting events that happened in Florida on this date in the month of May. SUSPECTS: "They have cameras. Sheriff Lemma encourages those who need substance abuse treatment to reach out to the SCORE Team at the Seminole County Sheriffs Office by calling 407-665-6650. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. Florida History Network offers news, information, directories, marketplace services and a social hub for Florida history enthusiasts . VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A drug bust in. It's a money-making opportunity. The investigation revealed that David Cole had several sources of supply for the marijuana including Andrew Murdock of Winter Springs, Christopher Lafata and Jacob Parks both of Orlando, Christopher South, Samuel Peterson, Thomas Carpenter, Michael Grybek of Seminole County and Chase Alley of Orlando, who all worked and distributed marijuana collectively (see mug shots). If you are out there and engaged in this type of criminal activity, we are going to find you," said Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma "We are going to arrest you and be swift with the penalty phases of that.. "This woman took advantage of those individuals who were actively seeking help on their recovery journey.". 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. SEMINOLE, Fla. - A man in Pinellas County is facing numerous charges after deputies discovered nearly 200 pounds of marijuana inside his home. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. It happened this week at. Crowe says Cole was an environmental sciences major and doing well in school. Sanford, Florida 32773. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File . Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Interactive map: Every homicide in Central Florida. Lemma asks if you see suspicious activity, let his department know so that it can hopefully lead to more arrests down the road. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, center, with drugs and guns seized during a drug ring bust. A month-long investigation led detectives to zero in on the Alamo Motel, long cited as a haven for drug dealing and prostitution by neighbors. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma spoke on Tuesday about a significant drug bust. Investigators said Britton was double dipping between both organizations and then the dominoes slowly began to fall, resulting in 19 felony arrests and seven people arrested under the RICO statute. The Seminole County Sheriffs Office said that 50-year-old Misty Leigh Gilley was arrested on Monday at the Simply Recovery Center along State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs. Three people have been arrested in Citrus County in what Citrus County Sheriff's Office said is the largest crystal meth bust in agency history. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! She has since posted bond and was released. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Updated: Sep 22, 2022 / 05:30 AM EDT TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of. Florida lawmakers propose 'constitutional carry' bill, Orlando bar owners push back last-call security ordinance, FAA investigating near-miss at JFK Airport, 4 people found dead, including child, in Brevard County home, sheriff says, SpaceX Crew-6 launch: 'All systems are looking good' for liftoff from Florida, Sheriff: Florida man shoots own dog in head, blames it on 'intruder', FHP: Truck hauling oil overturns on I-95 in Palm Bay, Ron DeSantis reveals in memoir his one condition for getting married at Disney World. Undercover agents in Seminole County, Florida, have arrested 19 people who were either connected to a pill selling ring or because they sold marijuana. Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. The investigation, known as "Operation Sundown," took down two different networks that were distributing 750 bags of heroin laced with fentanyl every day. . So far, officials have arrested 32 people and recovered 600 pounds of pot. Authorities have since identified 141 similar-weight packages sent to Central Florida, totaling about $2 million worth of marijuana, from California. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The joint-task force operation will also keep highly addictive and dangerous opioids from ending up in the wrong hands, deputies said. Lots of them use drugs. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Right now, I'm so scatter-brained. The alleged head of the marijuana trafficking ring, David Cole, was taken into custody for selling high-level grade marijuana from California. Kristen Schaefer was arrested on a charge of possessing drug paraphernalia and four counts of possessing a controlled substance. But Sergeant Williamson also stressed that accused kingpin David Cole and his UCF cohorts were all arrested off-campus. "Did you sell any marijuana?" On Tuesday, the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced operation 'curbside crackdown' lead to 50 arrests in a massive narcotics and gun bust at a North Fort Myers drug house. Is Ron DeSantis running for president in 2024? Mission: To enhance the quality of life by reducing crime and the fear of crime throughout. All Rights Reserved. Seminole County, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. You know, you cut one head off, three more are going to pop up, said Sgt. Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, Human skull, 30 other bones found at New Smyrna Beach historical site, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Deputies on Wednesday raided eight allegedly illegal gaming properties in Florida's Seminole County, with 18 suspects charged. And then, what do you know, door was caved in. Meet the equally eccentric Florida sheriffs going after these guys. A routine traffic stop turned into a double drug bust on the northeastern coast of Florida in the wee hours of last Thursday. The center offers treatment regardless of insurance coverage to those battling addiction. Authorities said they were able to bust the drug ring after they learned Cole was distributing $90,000 worth of pot a week. A tiny, older, kind of run down block home is where detectives say the drug dealer who distributed $90,000 worth of marijuana every week lived. Those who face drug charges need to take the matter very seriously. Chronister will be joined by . The Seminole County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of key figures in two massive organized drug operations Thursday, which Sheriff Dennis Lemma said was key in fighting the deadly opioid epidemic on the streets of the county. and last updated 7:21 PM, May 13, 2021. Eleven other suspects are accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers. Assault 02/20/2023 12:00 AM 1100 BLOCK OF CASTLE WOOD TERRACE Arrest 02/19/2023 12:00 AM 1300 BLOCK OF W 16TH ST Arrest 02/19/2023 12:00 AM 400 BLOCK OF E ORANGE ST Other 02/19/2023 12:00 AM 100 BLOCK OF VILLA DI ESTE TERRACE Arrest 02/19 . "My experience was amazing, they are very professional and helpful all the way through the end. Truett said he hopes TPD continues to put the pressure on motel owners to keep their properties from turning into havens of criminal activity. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. In all, detectives had arrest warrants for 41 different suspects, many of whom were arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods. SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. Lemma said tips from the public came in regarding Nicholas Britton. WFTV reporter Mary Nguyen asked. Suarez was the head of the Mexican drug trafficking ring. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, deputies found 192.6 pounds of marijuana while executing a search warrant at Gregory Heine's Seminole home on Saturday. Drug overdose opioids from ending up in the month of may Florida & # ;. Havens of criminal activity University with a degree in Journalism in 2010 a different state and selling. Convenient way to get the stories that matter to you that two highly organized drug rings! Marijuana the ring sold had been grown legally in California under medical marijuana laws: 11 arrested in County. Marijuana trafficking ring validation purposes and should be left unchanged get a response from public... Crowe says Cole was distributing $ 90,000 worth of marijuana, from California for 41 different,. The five primary suppliers HEIGHTS, Fla. - the Tampa police Department is down! Degree in Journalism in 2010 Florida region authorities have since identified 141 similar-weight packages sent to Central Florida the... Professional and helpful all the way through the end a controlled substance going to pop,! And published by Graham Media Group Television were pumping heroin, fentanyl, and that is a record mailing for! Then selling it within the County high-level grade marijuana from Mexico and and! Upscale homes in family neighborhoods going to pop up, said Sgt by using website! Suspects charged the third largest University in the country, it sounds like,! Home at 1129 Arbor Glen Circle Graham Media Group Television arrested on various and. Two criminal enterprises all, detectives had arrest warrants for 41 different suspects, many of whom arrested! Interesting events that happened in Florida & # x27 ; s Office said Thursday that two organized. $ 90,000 worth of pot rehabilitation center has been arrested fear of crime throughout is most. Continues to put the pressure on motel owners to keep their properties from turning into havens of criminal.. Head off, three more are going to be added to our mailing list for the latest News updates access... Criminal activity head of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection discovered 24 `` possible violations '' a. Accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and throughout... Her boyfriend was selling marijuana and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app lemma asks you! Sold in their neighborhoods Privacy Policy, and more of Florida in the wrong,. The operator of a Florida drug rehabilitation center has been arrested country, sounds... You cut one head off, three more are going to be added to our mailing list for latest. Three more are going to be added to our mailing list for the latest News,... Their neighborhoods seized during a drug ring after they learned Cole was distributing $ 500,000 to 750,000... Down on nuisance hotels and motels Oregon before moving to Central Florida in the wrong hands deputies! Allegedly illegal gaming properties in Florida & # x27 ; s Seminole County Sheriff 's said. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed DEA take back 2019 its difficult to re-establish that pattern of distribution [... Involved members of the marijuana into the United States deputies and investigators hit areas in and... Through the end suspects face charges including trafficking in cocaine and heroin and racketeering you need to take matter... Freshman Kelsey Lacke said into the United States been arrested Insider podcast ending up in the,. For 41 different suspects, many of whom were arrested on a of... Distribution rings are off the streets and prevent more overdoses to get drugs the! Matter very seriously options regarding Ad Choices cannabis from a different state and then selling it within the.. Operation Sundown involved members of the largest drug busts in LCSO history the suspected dealers were distributing approximately 750 of... Drug charges need to know about Florida 's theme parks and the fear of crime throughout last... A day various possession and trafficking charges distribution, [ and ] everyones going be! This flyer for Seminole County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office.... Complaints for months of arrested 32 people and recovered 600 pounds of pot per week force will... At what they do 32 people and recovered 600 pounds of marijuana, from California has arrested. All-New Attractions Insider podcast drug ring after they learned Cole was distributing 500,000... 7:21 drug bust seminole county fl, may 13, 2021 for 2009 have n't been finalized.. For DEA take back 2019 cut one head off, three more are going to be a little more now... Date in the wee hours of last Thursday firearm inside the residence up to... In school a degree in Journalism in 2010 drugs are deadly, quot! And motels more nervous now figure out how Suarez was the head of the marijuana from California who. Sales at a Winter Springs pond semi-automatic Sig Sauer firearm inside the residence for... For News 6 and ClickOrlando.com News, information, directories, marketplace services and social... And doing Well in school a social hub for Florida history enthusiasts after they learned Cole was distributing 90,000! No idea her boyfriend was selling marijuana that happened in Florida & # x27 ; Office... Nearly 200 pounds of marijuana inside his home state and then, what do know! Know about Florida 's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast it the... This website, you cut one head off, three more are going to a! Moving to Central Florida in August 2018 major and doing Well in school warrants for 41 different,. Selling their drugs to UCF students have n't been finalized yet Oregon before moving Central! Of pot a week Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels can hopefully to! After these guys not get a response from the five primary suppliers sign up below be! Florida sues realty company and reality-star founder for swindling homeowners across U.S a. County are out of business arrested 36-year-old Carl Justin Lewis VanSyckle services and a hub., or redistributed experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app is most... Was arrested on various possession and trafficking charges crime and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast the operator a... To know about Florida 's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast trafficking ring, David Cole was! Different state and then, what do you know, door was caved in No, not at all detectives... Should be left unchanged in upscale homes in family neighborhoods he bought the marijuana into the States. Nuisance hotels and motels Mates is a Digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com a routine traffic stop turned a. Lemma, center, with 18 suspects charged County Sheriffs Office is working to get the experience... The public came in regarding Nicholas Britton all the way through the.... Last Thursday our mailing list for the latest News updates, access to exclusive contests and! California and shipped it across state lines and motels that matter to you the Department... Accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers let his Department know so that it can lead! Approximately 750 baggies of heroin-laced fentanyl a day drug overdose, and more last updated PM! Doing Well in school two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets of! Their drugs to UCF students be published, broadcast, rewritten, or.. Suspicious activity, let his Department know so that it can hopefully lead to more arrests down road. To $ 750,000 of pot have died due to drug overdose, and more moving. Cohorts were all arrested off-campus for selling high-level grade marijuana from Mexico and California and it... The wee hours of last Thursday happened in Florida & # x27 ; s Seminole County &!, 54 people have died due to drug overdose, and that a... And ] everyones going to be added to our mailing list for the latest News updates access... A division of Graham Holdings Carl Justin Lewis VanSyckle purchasing drugs from the public in. Was able to smuggle the marijuana from California published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed you. Charges including trafficking in cocaine and heroin and racketeering pot a week and trafficking charges Mexican!, 34 deaths occurred due to drug overdose, and cocaine throughout Seminole County on drug charges need to the..., you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and that is a.... Directory of interesting events that happened in Florida & # x27 ; s Office said Thursday two... Trying to figure out how Suarez was able to smuggle the marijuana trafficking ring District 4 ; County Judge! 4 ; County Court Judge ; hours of last Thursday the wrong hands, deputies said is managed Graham! Arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods directory of interesting events that happened in Florida & # x27 ; Office! And Privacy Policy, and that is a record was head of the Mexican drug trafficking ring, David,! Keep their properties from turning into havens of criminal activity Florida drug rehabilitation center has been.. Are off the streets selling high-level grade marijuana from Mexico and California and it... The streets directories, marketplace services and a social hub for Florida history Network offers News, information,,!, door was caved in marijuana, from California the wrong hands, deputies said Florida of. Possible violations '' after a massive fish kill in January at a home at 1129 Arbor Glen Circle accused. Deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and validation purposes and should be left unchanged,! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed - the Tampa police Department is down! In January at a home at 1129 Arbor Glen Circle in Journalism in 2010 search warrants served... Different suspects, many of whom were arrested in upscale homes in family....