Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. These operations are being financed and ran by organized crime enterprises. The suspected illegal substances were each individually tested and yielded positive results for heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, according to the report. 33-year old Heather Sutton then tried to climb out a window before being A pedestrian walking north across Highway 98 near Vinings Way Boulevard in Destin was struck by a car and killed Thursday night shortly after 6:30 p.m. Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Investigators are working to determine the hometown of the 27-year old Hispanic Deputy Javonnia Peak and Sgt. The search of the home turned up used syringes, methamphetamine, fentanyl and more. For more information about the United States Attorneys Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. These sentences should serve as a deterrent to those who engage in criminal activities that put our communities at risk and reaffirms the Drug Enforcement Administrations commitment to keeping our communities safe from these violent criminals., This complex investigation exemplifies how leveraging law enforcement partnerships and expertise can thwart violent crime, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. Report Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment, Deshawn Brown, 51, of Santa Rosa Beach, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Pablo Burgos-Lozada, 44, of Fort Walton Beach, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Aubry Campbell, 37, of DeFuniak Springs, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Jeffrey Williamson, 38, of Niceville, Florida, Distribution of Cocaine, Ernest Dan Jean Jr., 58, Two Counts Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felon, Curtis Hadinger, 53, Five Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felon, Ryan Jones, 46, Five Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Edward Karsauskas, 59, Two counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Alan Moore, 35, Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Anthony Turchia, 31, Four Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Domonique Weeks, 38, Two counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Trafficking in Cocaine, Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felon, Maxwell Wester, 36, Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felon, Geoffrey Brower, 46, Three Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Two Counts of Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony (Walton & Okaloosa Charges), Heather Newsome, 45, Three Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Karen Crabb, 72, Three Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Joshua McNeil, 27, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Suakevia Gilmore, 24, Possession of Methamphetamine, Irina Pasare, 37, Four Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Robert Garcia, 51, Three Counts of Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony (Walton & Okaloosa), Francisco Garcia Jr., 36, Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Bobby Baldon, 61, Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine), Conspiracy to Purchase Cocaine, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony. A multi-agency drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of 15 people in Okaloosa County. Published: Oct. 9, 2020 at 4:43 PM CDT Now, after a 10-month investigation, officials said they believe they've made a considerable dent in the sale and use of opioids. Just a week before the bust, two more overdoses were reported on the property. Northwest Florida Daily News 0:00 0:58 FORT WALTON BEACH The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force seized a gram of cocaine, 177 grams of fentanyl, four grams of heroin and 323 grams. Deputies say the pair had items such as uncapped hypodermic needles and bags with meth residue within reach of two small children at the home. You're dead," Sheriff Ashley pointed out. That's all related to heroin, fentanyl, and [the] opioid crisis that we face, the state faces and the country faces," Sheriff Ashley said. They say the kids were also sleeping on dirty clothes that had cockroaches crawling in them. Harvesting of the marijuana plants had begun, however it did not appear that any of it had been released into the community before the execution of the search warrant. OCSO deputies arrested A Crestview woman with outstanding warrants in both Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County slammed a door on deputies this morning when they went to serve those warrants at a home on Sugartown Road. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. Former Shalimar tennis coach accused of sexual activity with minor in 2007 arrested, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in U.S. currency, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and around 2,500 grams of marijuana. The bust took place at a homestead property at 34 9th Avenue that has been the source of multiple overdoses, drug-related deaths, and complaints from residents and developers in the community. There have been three search warrants at 821 South Brett Street since 2019. Deputies partnered with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration in McAlester, and DEA Denver to execute multiple search and arrest warrants in Colorado and Haskell County. "The individuals that have been charged with trafficking, at this time they face a potential of 30 years in state prison," Bill Bishop with the State Attorney's Office said. Other major players in the drug . Twenty-five of those resulting in death attributed to heroin and fentanyl. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Three people were arrested as the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office seized heroin, meth, cocaine and more during a drug bust. The unfortunate part about this whole thing is, where does it end?" "I'm here to tell you that they hit a big hit," Sheriff Ashley said, "A matter of fact, for 2018, since February, our overdoses of heroin have dropped dramatically and it's because of this single effort.". (Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office) By WJHG Newsroom. Over $180,000 in drug proceeds, eight vehicles, five firearms, and over 1300 rounds of ammunition were seized and forfeited to the government. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - On January 6th, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force and Special Response Team searched a house located at 201 Spruce Street in Mary. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, as well as the DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, and Crestview Police Department all participated in the operation. Your partnership was imperative to achieving our goals for this investigation. A multi-agency drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of 15 people in Okaloosa County. Approximately 150 greenhouses containing 49,152 marijuana plants were located on the property. WALTON COUNTY, Fla More than 3,000 grams of cocaine is seized during a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa Counties resulting in the arrest of 21 people. Website design and hosting by Creative Web Solutions, Donation Information for Fallen OCSO Corporal Ray Hamiltons Family, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Information, Citizens Safety and Protection Task Force, South Carolina Man Charged with Human Trafficking, Thirteen Year Old Tourist Drowns in Gulf Waters, Illinois Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following Okaloosa Island Swimming Pool Incident, OCSO Makes Arrest in 1999 Sexual Battery Case, Fugitives Getaway Attempt in Car & on Foot Fails, K9 Team Tracks Holt Man with Felony Warrants, OCSO Charged Man with Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old, Woman Charged with Deliberately Causing Near Head on Crash on Highway 98, Destin Man Charged After Deputies Respond to Call of Armed Disturbance, Four of Five Teen Suspects Captured After Fleeing, Teen Burglary Suspect Flees Deputies in Stolen Car Before Crashing, Drug Task Force Search Warrant Leads to Trafficking in Fentanyl, Meth & Oxycodone Charges, Crestview Search Warrant Nets Nearly Two Pounds of Methamphetamine, Crestview Woman with Warrants Refuses to Come out of House, Pedestrian Fatality on Highway 98 in Destin, Interstate Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest, Teen Arrested for Loaded Weapon at High School Basketball Game, OCSO Launches SAFE Program for Citizens with Special Needs. Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputies arrested six people during what they are calling a drug house bust. "This investigation began because of a series of violent crimes we had earlier this. Forty-nine year old Timothy Holt was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamines after. Both Zhang and Zheng were indicted on the following charges: 14 of the 21 people indicted have been arrested. The property was also found to be littered with garbage, fertilizer, containers and human waste; all of which were adjacent to Elk Creek. Due to the sheer size of the illegal operation, law enforcement spent two days conducting eradication and destruction of the marijuana plants. OCSO deputies A Baker woman who intentionally drove westbound in the eastbound lanes on Highway 98 near Hurlburt Field is charged with aggravated battery. Law enforcement is calling the bust the biggest in county history and say millions of dollars. "We have to have a new day of accountability. FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. ( WKRG) Okaloosa County deputies arrested one woman after she was found with several drugs, including 100 grams of meth and fentanyl pills. At the McDonald Street address investigators seized a kilogram of cocaine worth an estimated $100,000, heroin, and two loaded handguns. "Those dealing drugs, the message I would send to them is: you're not safe in Okaloosa County," Sheriff Ashley said. Law enforcement executed two search warrants in February 2018 where they found 3,582 grams of cocaine with a street value of nearly $900,000, 770 grams of fentanyl street valued at $6 million, 1,119 grams of cocaine with a street value of $100,000, seven grams of crack street valued at $500 and 45 grams of MDMA with a street value of $15,000. 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. In total, 25 are facing charges in connection to the operation, including four federal arrests and 21 state arrests. The task force, which includes the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and heroin have been an issue in the county for. to, 1 arrested in alleged armed carjacking, police searching, Mobile Police investigate alleged armed robbery at, Pedestrian struck, killed on Moffett Road Saturday, Baldwin Art For Heart Gala a Smashing Success!, Romar Beach Access in Gulf State Park to get parking, Forensic anthropologist now helping with identification, Police searching for 2 in alleged theft at Bay Minette, City of Foley plans new use for old armory building, Supervisor accused of inappropriately touching teenager, Idiots clear a path through Fish River in Baldwin, Plant Swap helps expand scope of Bay Minette Library, Staffing shortages limits recycling operations at, Pensacola International Airport to replace TSA scanners, Escambia Co. woman attempts to pull child into her, Lawmakers, local district look at ways to restrict, 3rd victim dies after rescue from Perdido Key rip, Parking improvements coming to Destin-Fort Walton, 1 injured after plane crash in Crestview: Okaloosa, New home built in Pensacola courtesy of Habitat for, Woman found with syringes of cocaine after shoplifting, Man wanted for battery on official arrested after, Woman killed after going to wrong address, man charged, Drum in lake is clue to missing woman, police say, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Deputies also located a digital scale with heroin residue on it on the kitchen counter and bags of marijuana in akitchen drawer, according to the report. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement officers seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in cash, 50 grams of crack cocaine and about 2,500 grams of marijuana. "If you don't, we're going to eradicate your property, we are going to evict you and hopefully send you back to the state you came from.". Deputies said two kids were sleeping in the home near uncapped needles and drugs. When law enforcement arrived approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot. Simmons was arrested on multiple felonies including trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in heroin, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending. The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force is represented by the Okaloosa County SheriffsOffice, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. The Walton County Sheriffs Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace. Fifteen. TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) The Haskell County Sheriff's Office arrested two people on Wednesday in connection to a drug trafficking investigation. "Because of the volume of the drugs involved in this case, several of those individuals are looking at anywhere between 25 years minimum mandatory to 15 years minimum mandatory. Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. OCSO deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl inside the home. If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the application and selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance. Two large swimming pools were being utilized as water holding tanks being fed by water pumps from Elk Creek. We asked Sheriff Turner if their "third party" who legally registered the farm in Haskell County would be in trouble as well. The head of the local operation, 33-year old Kevin Powell Jr., is charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, and more. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) attempted to pull over a man with active felony warrants driving on State Road 85 last night, but the suspect decided to try to make a getaway instead. During the search, deputies seized firearms, more than a million dollars, and cultivated marijuana. OCSO said the house was associated with drug overdoses and distribution. We have laws for a reason and it's to protect our citizens, even if it's from themselves.". The DEA Denver Front Range Task Force initially identified a Chinese money laundering organization they say was selling black market marijuana to fund criminal activities. On January 28th, Okaloosa County officials issued a narcotics search warrant. (850) 216-3845 These prosecutions are all part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. Check out her best picks before buying anything. 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Law enforcement is calling the bust the biggest in county history and say millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs are now off the streets. All rights reserved. Together we are removing criminal organizations from our communities who commit firearms crimes and other dangerous acts that pose a threat to public safety.. Three arrested and more than a pound of meth seized in DeFuniak Springs drug bust, Man sentenced to 15 years after arrest for drug possession at Miramar Beach rental cabin, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. There were no hemp plants located anywhere on the property. "This is not a game. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Six people face charges after a drug bust at an Okaloosa County home on Thursday. "Their lives are being destroyed by drugs. UCC Theatre Program presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Vintage Singers Spring Concert at UCC, DINT Arrests two persons following investigation into alleged trafficking organization, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Teamarrest two individuals for alleged heroin and meth possession, Human remains positively identified, Major Crimes Team investigating, Local Conservation Organizations and the US Forest Service at odds over Danger Trees affected by the Archie Creek Fire, Skyline Ridge Complex fire 100% contained, Jack Fire has burned 23k acres, 63% contained, Officer involved shooting injures man officers say was a threat to parents. 17 arrested in drug sweep. Sheriff Ashley described the organization as a gang and believes 33-year-old Kevin Powell Jr. is the head of the local operation, sourcing these drugs down to five other major players. The United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nations principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. Overcrowded emergency rooms are full of patients related to addition, withdrawal, and numerous health complications. If you have concerns about a possible illegal marijuana operation in your community, contact the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team at (541) 440-4474. USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov FORT WALTON BEACH The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force seized a gram of cocaine, 177 grams of fentanyl, four grams of heroin and 323 grams of marijuana from a Fort Walton Beach apartment Thursday. Aaron Simmons, 33, and Teddy Lanieux, 34, both of Fort Walton Beach, are. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Two people were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Destin. So far this year, mid-May, we've had 21 suspected heroin overdoses with three deaths. As a result of what was found at the home, 51-year old William "Tat" Beatty is charged with keeping a public nuisance . On October 26th and 27th 2022, Federal and State law enforcement arrested 12 suspects charged during the investigation. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. by Kirstin Kerns. Required fields are marked *. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. On January 28th, Okaloosa County officials issued a narcotics search warrant. We are honored to serve and protect. All 6 adults were taken into custody for. Douglas County, as well as multiple other Oregon counties are seeing a large number black-market marijuana grows which have been disguised as sanctioned hemp grows popping up in local communities. Deputies were called to 3690 Scenic Highway 98 around 11:30 for a distressed swimmer. Two of the suspects were arrested in Haskell County. Families are torn apart because parents can't parent while high. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Testing conducted on the marijuana throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). An individual identified as the manager of the operation, 44-year-old Jose Francisco Figueroa-Aguilar of Modesto, California, was ultimately arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession and Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office was conducting enforcement operations on Interstate 10 around 9 a.m. this morning when a stop was conducted for a traffic violation. 21 arrested after yearlong drug trafficking investigation in Walton, Okaloosa Northwest Florida Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK 0:00 1:26 More than 3,000 grams of cocaine were seized and 21 people. WEAR Eighteen people have been arrested in Okaloosa County for . All Rights Reserved. Simmons reportedly told deputies he had been living at the residence for about a year and everything in the residence belonged to him. Website design and hosting by Creative Web Solutions, Donation Information for Fallen OCSO Corporal Ray Hamiltons Family, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Information, Citizens Safety and Protection Task Force, South Carolina Man Charged with Human Trafficking, Thirteen Year Old Tourist Drowns in Gulf Waters, Illinois Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following Okaloosa Island Swimming Pool Incident, OCSO Makes Arrest in 1999 Sexual Battery Case, Fugitives Getaway Attempt in Car & on Foot Fails, K9 Team Tracks Holt Man with Felony Warrants, OCSO Charged Man with Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old. After receiving a search warrant, Zhang and Zheng were arrested at the property on Colorado warrants. Did you know Alabama has an official state dessert? All rights reserved. "Men, women, and children are enslaved to addiction and die from overdoses. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Six people were arrested in a drug bust Tuesday at a Niceville home. Additional charges and/or arrests may be forthcoming as a result of this investigation. ", "Operation PayDirt" results in largest drug bust in Okaloosa County history. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Crestview man, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a residence on Wingard Street in Crestview. 33-year old Seth Beavers of Sterling Illinois, a former Naval rescue swimmer, is currently being held 24 years after a woman reported being sexually assaulted in the Poquito Bayou area near Shalimar, the suspect, now aged 60 and living under an alias, is behind bars in Okaloosa County. read more School Bus Aide Charged with Child Abuse Jan 25, 2023 The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office is putting in place a program geared towards boosting the odds of better communication and emergency responses between deputies and citizens with special needs.The SAFE program focuses on families providing enhanced information We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Florida with excellence and integrity. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Sheriff Turner says he anticipates more illegal operations to start popping up here because he refers to Oklahoma and the loose medical marijuana laws as "The Wild West." OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County. The prosecutions were the result of a large-scale multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office over the past two years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. OCSO News Release: Six people were taken into custody following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a Niceville area home thats been associated with narcotics overdoses and suspected narcotics distribution. 52-year-old Harriet Hall and 43-year-old Dewayne Shelton, both of that address, are charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. In total, 25 are facing charges in connection to Operation Hans Gruber including four federal arrests and 21 state of Florida arrests. Following the search, seven individuals were arrested at a Crestview home. Proudly made and managed in America by CYSY. Follow us on Twitter | @NDFLnews, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html, Download Press Release: Songbird Smackdown_.pdf. These cases resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Crestview Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and Walton County Sheriffs Office. "Okaloosa County is tied with West Palm Beach County as having the most heroin overdoses in the state of Florida," Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley said. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of the lethal drug to kill more than. Following the search, seven individuals were arrested at a Crestview home. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were convicted and have been sentenced to the following in federal court: The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force continues to combat illegal drug activity and drug dealers throughout the local area. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted these cases. Author.