He is facing Polk County, Florida charges of: Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Lewis home on Nov. 23. Over the weekend, Polk County Police Officer Howard of the Uniformed Patrol Division was Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. The sheriff's office said the suspects' previous criminal histories include a total of 194 felony convictions. According to a release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the drug trafficking organization also has ties with the Mexican drug cartel. 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. Judd used the news conference to make political statements. During their search of one of the illegal conversion labs located inCollege Park, Georgia, HSI agents and local law enforcement officers discovered and dismantled an illegal rooster fighting ring belonging to59-year-old Isidoro Palacios. Judd said the investigation is ongoing and there were suspects the Sheriff's Office was still looking for. "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. 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. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Sheriff Grady Judd said surveillance video from the gas station showed people in masks running up to the totaled vehicle and grabbing items from the car's trunk before deputies arrived at the scene. Apr. LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. Orlando International Airport raises parking prices | Win tickets to watch Artemis 1 rocket launch | Video shows large gator eating another alligator in Silver Springs | Become a News 6 Insider (its free! Man killed by Lake Wales police after fatally shooting K-9, Winter Haven man told 911 dispatcher he shot his father, PCSO says, Haines City Police officer recovering after beingshot during a traffic stop Sunday, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. He is in the United States illegally. The investigation was focused on a drug trafficking ring that smuggled cocaine and meth from Mexico, according to a Polk County Sheriff's Office news release. She was incarcerated in state prison in 2006, and her previous criminal history includes 16 felonies and 31 misdemeanors, to include charges of petit theft, forgery, fraud, possession methamphetamine, possession of Xanax possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license, and multiple probation violations. ", 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. The two share policing of Poinciana, a city based in both counties. Mason was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Violations may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or Possession of Xanax with intent to sell (F3) Six people involved in the drug trafficking operation are now behind bars and three of them are facing charges in Polk County and authorities say this case may become even larger than its current scope. Detectives said three suspects told them they receive government assistance. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. On March 30, 2021, HSI and PCSO undercover detectives arranged to pick up the drugs from inside Meers' personally owned truck near her place of employment in Atlanta. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. 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Criminals dont know borders or boundaries.. Six people have been arrested, including five people in the country illegally. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. 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. Federal agents seized a parcel containing about 2,500 generic Xanax pills, PCSO said. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in Updated: Aug 20, 2022 / 01:55 PM CDT. The primary drug trafficking broker operated from a federal prison in Georgia. Meers was on federal probation for drug trafficking at the time of her arrest. 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. Those props illustrated Judds announcement Thursday morning of what he said was the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Polk County Sheriffs According to the Over the course of the next year and a half, detectives made undercover narcotics purchases in the Winter Haven area and learned that drugs were being smuggled from California to Orlando via checked luggage on flights. Citizens Insurance customer left confused, frustrated after new flood insurance policy, FHP: 1 dead, 2 in the hospital after crash in Manatee County, 10 Weather: Sunny skies and nice temperatures this week, Tornado watch over for parts of Tampa Bay area. ). WebPolk Busted - Daily Polk County Jail arrest mugshots, sheriff booking inquirey, and crime news for Lakeland, Winter Haven and more. 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. 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. The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. Approximately 2,500 Xanax pills seized (street value: approximately $25,000)TOTAL STREET VALUE: $53,854,640. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. "As soon as the first sheriffs office deputies showed up, the SUV took off," Murphy said. Read More. It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. Now shes an arrested girl," 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. ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking His criminal history includes 4 arrests in Georgia. 43-year-old Jennifer Meerswho resides at467 Allana Court, Stone Mountain, Georgia. 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. Cayson is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Investigators also seized 20 guns, three of which were reported as stolen, the release said. The investigation, called "Operation No Snow," focused on the illegal sale of cocaine and meth, according to the Polk County Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. The spokesperson added that TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if found during the screening process, the TSA will refer the matter to law enforcement partners. Members of HSI in Atlanta and Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol and the Snellville Police Department in Georgia stood behind Judd at Thursdays news conference. Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. I think weve uncovered a problem for LAX.. The Polk Sheriffs Office heads the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes local police agencies. All rights reserved. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. While investigating the gas station crash, detectives received information that Demarcus and other members of the Jefferson family were involved in smuggling large amounts of methamphetamine through airlines in checked luggage on domestic flights from California. He was arrested Tuesday, and charged with 25 counts conspiracy to sell cocaine, conspiracy to sell marijuana, conspiracy to purchase marijuana, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. In total, the sheriff's office says more than $54 million worth of illegal drugs were seized across the entire operation. "They didn't so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Polk County Sheriffs Department arrested five people Wednesday on drug possession and distribution charges, rescuing three children as well. One of the suspects, 34-year-old James McClain, reportedly sold methamphetamine that was dyed blue. According to the sheriff's office, he was the mastermind behind arranging the sale and delivery of 26 pounds of meth in Polk County. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. "On one occasion, on one airline, six suitcases with this drug were smuggled into Orlando," Judd said. 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. 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. Crossings have increased in recent months, and conservative politicians blame the immigration policies of President Joe Biden. Im so very proud of our detectives and the agents and law enforcement officers who partnered with us to get these dangerous drugs and felons off the street," Judd said in a written statement. 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." Three days after Sibley contacted Judd's office, undercover operations were set up in Polk County. Detectives arranged to visit Georgia for the transaction and obtained drugs that Meers left in a vehicle across the street from a landscaping business where she worked, Judd said. Undercover officers then arranged to buy meth, which would be shipped from Georgia to Polk County. Undercover detectives then met with Jennifer Meers, 43, who they say delivered a suitcase full of 12 clear storage bags containing the illegal drug at a hotel room in Lakeland. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. 30-year-old Crescencio Ornelas-Lozawho resides inFairburn, Georgiawas arrested by the Henry County Police Department. Dwayne Kenneth StackhouseSr., 39: Judd said Stackhouse was identified as a large scale cocaine supplier in Central Florida. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs was masterminded by a man behind bars. 3.4 pounds of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. But now his golf course community days are over. Undercover detectives made multiple drug purchases at his Winter Haven home, learning that six months earlier, one of Demarcus' brothers, Devontae, died from a Fentanyl and Xanax overdose at that same house. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Deputies said Radina had 12 grams of fentanyl on her when she was arrested. 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. Lewis, 41, was arrested for armed trafficking in fentanyl, armed trafficking in cocaine, armed trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, sale of fentanyl, possession of weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, maintaining residence for drug trafficking, maintaining residence for drug sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? Those arrested on Polk County charges are: 37-year-old Amber Caysonwho resides at3237 Xerxes Avenue NW, Winter Haven. In an interview, Meers told detectives that Stanton, the inmate, coordinated meth deliveries and paid her $500 for every kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, she delivered, the release said. Cayson is charged with: Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. Meers, 43, had only left federal prison in January and was on probation for a previous drug-trafficking conviction, Judd said. "You can go ahead and turn yourself in or you can go to jail tired from running, but you're gonna go to jail," Sheriff Grady Judd said of the three suspects who are still at large, identified as 49-year-old Angela Dunklebarger of Lake Wales, 37-year-old Tavoris Jones of Lake Wales, and 37-year-old Reginald Phillips of Dundee. He said the traffickers hoped to establish a presence in Polk County. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. Officials said they served a search warrant at his Davenport address, 928 Brooklet Drive,and seized two loaded AK-47 pistols, which were out in plain view and in a home with six children. 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. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. Twelve people were arrested in a Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force drug bust on Maple Avenue late Tuesday, including five who additionally face charges related to membership in a street gang. Both men were living illegally in the United States, Judd said. Its complicated: Insurance commr on premium hikes, Lightnings season ends after OT loss to Maple Leafs, A look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL draft, Lightning fans kept hope alive during series against, Selmons legacy lives on through USF mentorship program, Steinbrenner HS senior trades sports for volunteering, How your electronics will be recycled after Shred-A-Thon, Millions exposed to life-shortening pollution: report, Arthur Jones, first Black USF student-athlete, honored. All of this drug here was not destined for Polk County, just a piece of it, Judd said. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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).
