Four search warrants served simultaneously Thursday morning on Cleveland Road, Manatee Drive and Starfish Avenue in Sebring resulted in the following arrests: Molina-Etchechury, on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Markyrie McCray, Sr., 46, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 72 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. 23 people across the area were Terrance Mactavias Sholtz, 43, was sentenced on Aug. 17, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. MIAMI, Fla. (CW44 News At 10)-- Several Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking ring that had become entrenched in the Lake Placid neighborhood of Highway Park, Florida. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr., 34, was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 96 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and conspiracy to distribute a cocaine. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. We won't share it with anyone else. Galyn Oakley Turnbull, 32, of 2333 Cleveland Road, for trafficking methamphetamine (14 grams or over), possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment and resisting an officer. Keep it Clean. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. 2 men arrested with guns, drugs at Beachwood Place, police say, Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. The Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales and usedsurveillance video and undercover operatives. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Don't knowingly lie about anyone ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. This operation, Operation Triple Play, is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted with this operation. Invalid password or account does not exist. WebHighlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. 21-CR-14002). The State Attorney's Office for Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit assisted greatly with this operation. RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Authorities said these forms of the drugs have higher potency and are highly addictive. COURTESY/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connection dismantled. Marquis Sharod Bellamy, 28, was sentenced on July 1, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 180 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. accounts, the history behind an article. Trafficking cocaine (28 grams less than 150 kilograms). Dixon has received the following charges: The Highlands County Sheriffs Office said Dixon previously spent 9 years in prison on federal drug charges and completed his probation in 2020. 20-CR-14022). 4th Street
Top headlines of the day, delivered to your email every morning. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. Hanna and Johnson are the only two suspects not from Highlands County. WebPOLK COUNTY, Fla. More than $50 million worth of methamphetamine linked to the Juarez Mexican Drug Cartel was seized during a joint drug investigation between the The investigation began in August 2018 when the HCSO Narcotics Unit learned that 27-year-old Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, of 5003 Manatee Drive in Sebring, was a multi-pound distributor of methamphetamine in Highlands County. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. More than 70 people have been charged with 184 felonies as a part of a Henry County drug bust, according to the Henry County Sheriffs Office. Marquis Sharod Bellamy, 28, was sentenced on July 1, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 180 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. After obtaining a search warrant for the home on Meadowlake Circle South, deputies detained residents of the house outside while conducting the systematic search. Mykel Laron Treadwell, 34, was sentenced on June 2, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone. During the investigation, undercover deputies identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina of Lakeland as a local drug dealer/trafficker selling methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. WebDrugs and weapons allegedly seized in a Highlands County bust (HCSO photo) According to deputies, a dose of 2 to 3 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to be deadly, meaning there Kenneth Jamal Deveaux, 39, was sentenced on May 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez, to 151 months imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Takaria Vashon McCray has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Stephen Gerald Shuart, 31, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. It is largely due to a renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the Highland County Sheriffs Office (SO) Special Operations Division. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. READ: Were losing this battle: Floridas attorney general wants fentanyl declared a weapon of mass destruction. Rachel Starostin is lucky one of them wasn't her. Terrance Mactavias Sholtz, 43, was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, to 24 months' imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. The bust in Highlands gives her shivers, knowing where those drugs would have otherwise ended up. K-9 officer Gentry sniffed around the outside of the car and indicated there were drugs inside. Molina-Etchechury was one of eight arrested Thursday when an international drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connections was dismantled. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. And, that wasn't all. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. "There are always going to be people to profit off of human suffering.". Marquis Sharod Bellamy, 28, was sentenced on July 1, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 180 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. JimmyRay Parks, 18, of Sebring: felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. They were also prohibited from carrying firearms, said police. Please enter valid email address to continue. LAKE PLACID, Fla. (WFLA) A Lake Placid man deputies called one of Highlands Countys most prolific drug dealers was arrested after officers found enough fentanyl to kill 25,000 people. A locked padlock Mykel Laron Treadwell, 34, was sentenced on June 2, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone. 20-CR-14021). Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Invalid password or account does not exist. (Case No. Stephen Martin Mackay, 46, of Sebring: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. There was an error processing your request. You have permission to edit this article. Investigators say the drug den rented by Ezzard Dixon on Abel Rd. The Port St. Lucie office of Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office and the local Probation and Parole office in several arrests Thursday. We'd love to hear eyewitness (Case No. In the past three months, the following federal defendants have been sentenced in this matter: Markyrie McCray, Jr., 24, was sentenced on September 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, to 30 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. (Case No. DeSantis launches new book in Sarasota County, Plant City High School band to fundraise during FL, Hillsborough school board holds off on boundary change, 2022 Hurricane Guide: Prepare your family before a storm, City of Tampa removes speed hump in front of mans, More than 4K complaints filed against insurers after, Bank accounts frozen years ago finally released to, Cyber criminals increasingly targeting hospitals, Dunedin man discovers house stolen through deed fraud, Buccaneers to release veteran running back, Death of former star swimmer under police investigation, Penguins score 6 in 2nd period, beat Lightning 7-3, Jake Paul takes first boxing defeat by split decision, Vasilevskiy makes 45 saves, Lightning beat Red Wings, Esposito to be inducted into Lightning Hall of Fame, Turning 50? Don't Threaten. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, Highlands County Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison, Palm Beach County Resident Pleads Guilty to Importation of MDMA and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Armed South Florida Fentanyl Dealer Arrested on Federal Charges, Dark Web Drug Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison, Highlands County Drug Traffickers Sentenced To Federal Prison. Photo is courtesy of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns said the city is taking an aggressive approach to policing Beachwood Place and working with their security team to make the public feel safe while having an enjoyable shopping experience.. Official websites use .gov Create a password that only you will remember. The junior Bellamy was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Stanton was charged with possession of marijuana over 20 grams (86.8 grams), possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug equipment. Lock 21-CR-14002). WebMIAMI Several Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking WebSEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. A law enforcement operation handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and Highlands County Sheriff's Office dismantled the drug trafficking organization, leading to the prosecution of members at all levels of the criminal enterprise -- from top leaders, to people who cooked crack, to street-level dealers. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 20-CR-14022). 99 N.E. They were prosecuted by the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. of marijuana, and worst of all for deputies, was the two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 pressed fentanyl pills. Other people linked with the drug trafficking organization were arrested prior to Thursday: Victor Antonio Delagua, 27, of 1517 Melady Ave. in Sebring, was arrested Feb. 8 and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug equipment, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and probation violation after he was found with 13 grams of methamphetamine and 255.3 grams (more than half a pound) of marijuana during a probation search of his home. WebSeveral Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking ring that had During their interaction, Radina asked an undercover detective to drive her to her suppliers home at 206 Colorado Avenue in order to pick up around 7-grams of fentanyl. Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, La Verne J. Hibbert, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Miami Field Office, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, Troy Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Paul Blackman, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriff's Office made the announcement. Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone. Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. If the Iditarod race inspired you, weve compiled a list of the best gear to keep your dog safe and happy throughout winter, as well as year-round. We arent finished, either. I am so proud of the work done on this case by the Crime Suppression Unit and the work of all the others who took part in this investigation. Dixon could be away for a while, now that the repeat offender is facing eight new charges, including trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. WebThe Highlands County Sheriffs Office Crime Suppression Unit, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a search warrant at 4545 Shad Drive in Sebring yesterday. Local public notices delivered daily to your email account. To take this amount of drugs off the street is a huge accomplishment, and our county is safer because of it.. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Stanton faces charges of possession of illegal drugs and drug sales. Nicholas Ray Lynch: possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. Samuel Danelle Sapp Richmond County Sheriff's Office. An official website of the United States government. He completed probation in 2020. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on August 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Threats of harming another Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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