During the investigation, detectives identified two other suspects out of North Carolina. Warrants served, largest drug bust in Citrus County, Students grieve after Crystal River Middle School, [This article was updated on February 24, 2021, at 10 p.m to include the correct spelling of his first name, WARNING : UNCUT VIDEO Florida woman gets, Ocala, Florida -- On June 1, 2021, Ocala Police were dispatched to a local restaurant after reports that a female, Citrus County School Board: Second middle school, Press release from the Citrus County School Board -- "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that, Three men had intercourse with animals hundreds of, Three men, not from Florida, will have to remain behind bars for having sex with horses, goats, dogs, and cows, Prendergast refuses to require deputies to use body, While most sheriff's offices across the state utilize dash and body cams, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office does not use, A Chick-fil-A food truck is set up in Citrus County. Fox News Flash top headlines for October 21. Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, and Pedro Mondragon, 27, drove from North Carolina to Polk County on October 11 to meet with undercover detectives about another fentanyl sale. Feds Plan to Seize Russian Oligarch's Luxe Fisher Island Properties, Miami Canal Flooded With Turd Water From Contractor-Involved Pipe Break, Collapse of "Let's Go Brandon" Meme Coin Sparks Billion-Dollar Court Battle, Gator Gets in on the Action at Tampa Bay Horse Race, Readers Warn of Traffic, "Bloodsport" Driving After. Starks, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. Probation officers had communicated their suspicions of illegal activity to TIU, who were standing by as probation searched the residence. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010. They also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and ammunition - all in just three months. FIve arrested in Ocala drug bust. Douglas added that in the first quarter of this year, UDEST arrested more than 80 people some of which are listed below with charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The individual noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape & contacted local authorities. Dandridge was reportedly there to pay suppliers for marijuana that had been dropped off at his home off Southwest 80th Avenue, at 7848 N.W. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests . Sheriff Grady Judd promises that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization. Marcus Starks, 35, of Marion Oaks, the brother of K.C. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. . Rodriguez was taken into custody by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office on October 14 for trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation, Trial dates set for Gerhardt accused of killing Demiah Appling of Dixie County, North Central Florida Treasures: Antique Erie Fluter, Ocala police investigating yet another shooting, detectives say interviews are crucial. K.C. Joel Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, a first degree felony, mandating a three year minimum mandatory sentence; Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams; Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Rodriguez showed up to the meeting in Polk County with five of the six kilograms. 38th Ave., lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road 200 and State Road 40. Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. . Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show]Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. Ocala Police Department honors first African American female officer, Fire ignites inside vacant mobile home in Belleview, Pavement repairs to cause temporary lane closures on several Marion County roads, Marion County Public Schools to host Career Camp for adults, Ocala man charged with DUI after leading Marion County deputies on high-speed chase, Legends of the Fort returns to Fort King in April, tickets now on sale, Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hiring seasonal lifeguards, One hospitalized after rollover crash on Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Resident discusses lack of reliable cellphone service in Ocala, Two Ocala residents voice concerns on rising electric bills, added charges, Two more residents voice their concerns on cellphone service in Ocala/Marion County. If convicted, he faces up to 105 years in prison. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. A man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Collectively, the street value of these illegal substances is estimated to be $970,000, the largest street value seizure in the agencys history. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW. Strow said that even though Dandridge didn't have a "day job," he was able to afford a $100,000 truck and $75,000 motorcycle. Caton is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said there have been nearly 900 overdoses in the city since mid-2017, with 119 of those people losing their lives. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. The quantity of the drug was enough to kill 2.7 million people. Strow noted that in his 34 years with the Sheriff's Office, "shutting down this drug ring will have more of an impact on drug trafficking in Marion County than I've ever seen in my career.". To take it one step further, anyone with a criminal history to include drug abuse or alcohol abuse may not even be eligible for public assistance of any kind. He is pleased with the overall outcome of the investigation but wants answers. The 238-pound, 5-foot, 11-inch Dandridge sports a variety of tatoos, including the word "outlaw" on his stomach and "in memory of W.D. Drug ringleader busted in Marion Oaks. pic.twitter.com/hN3VjDEG2G, On Wednesday, a Good Samaritan discovered 68 lbs. Guy Howie, head of the county's multi-agency drug task force, said Dandridge was suspected of returning to the drug trade soon after his release. In the first quarter of 2021, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team arrested over 80 individuals with charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking, said Capt. Criminal arrest history: 1992-DUI; 2005-Cocaine Trafficking; 2006-Amphetamine or Meth 14 grams or over; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams, Keep a Public Structure for Burglary Activity and Paraphernalia. Some have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said. Mary Pressley, 23, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. Its terrifying that number of people can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, and for those people that are watching this press conference later on, let me say this, I know that there are addicts out there that are going to see this, and Im going to ask you to do this, reach out for help. OCALA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Ocala police have released a video showing a drug bust. Miami's independent source of All rights reserved. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized . Its terrifying the number of people that can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, he said. There are also plans to hand over those cases to the Office of the State Attorney after each investigation is done, with the intention of securing manslaughter indictments. Criminal Arrest History includes Burglary; Grand Theft; Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting; 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief; 2004-Felony Criminal Mischief. The Polk County Sheriff's Office had received information that an international drug trafficking organization was trafficking fentanyl from Mexico to the city of Bradenton and then to Polk County. Both are in the Alachua County Jail on charges of trafficking in cocaine. Price, Perez, the Starks brothers, and Radank have extensive felony arrest records from other counties. Detectives with served search warrants at the following addresses: 2322 View Way, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 10910 Sportsman Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 402 Wildlife Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland Joshua Widdows residence, 3839 NW 1st NW Street, Lakeland Tyler Scotts residence, 2015 Adair Road, Davenport Rios residence. According to investigators, the fentanyl was manufactured in Mexico and trafficked into the U.S. to be made into synthetic pills and sold on the streets. Robert Douglas, who oversees the unit comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agents. FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of Daniel Battisti, located at 11 South Washington, Beverly Hills, as part of a routine probation check. Published July 4, 2018. The investigation peaked on July 9 when agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team arrested the drug ring's leader, Gerald D. Dandridge, and his suspected accomplice, James Johnson, 51 of Silver Springs Shores. If it was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 4 people found dead, including juvenile, 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, Florida House tees up concealed weapons bill, Latest tool to track Burmese pythons in Florida: GPS-fitted opossums, Florida alligator catchers say they're going into debt while trying to protect residents, The Caribbean's most expensive home just went on the market for $200M see inside, NASA pushes Crew-6 launch to early Monday as astronauts arrive on Space Coast. In February, detectives intercepted a $200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier. He also has a history with law enforcement. Below are some of the significant recent UDEST arrests involving illegal narcotics and other crimes: Ocala man with no license arrested after fleeing from MCSO corporal, National Weather Services SKYWARN Storm Spotter class returns to Ocala next week, Applications for Ocala Future Leaders Academy being accepted through March 31, Dunnellon police seek person of interest in theft of vehicle from Walmart parking lot, Ocala Police Department honors first African American female officer, Fire ignites inside vacant mobile home in Belleview, Pavement repairs to cause temporary lane closures on several Marion County roads, Marion County Public Schools to host Career Camp for adults, Resident discusses lack of reliable cellphone service in Ocala, Two Ocala residents voice concerns on rising electric bills, added charges, Two more residents voice their concerns on cellphone service in Ocala/Marion County. Kirkland has been charged with attempted murder, and a number of other drug related charges. OCALA - In the boxing ring, when someone takes a shot to the body, it often knocks the wind out of them. Lopez is charged with Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, a life felony; Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency, $100,000 or more, first degree felony; Possession of a Place or Structure used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, a second degree felony. Castro Solache told detectives he and the supplier in Mexico wanted to establish a portion of their drug trafficking operation in Polk County and that he was going to move to the county and take responsibility for handling operations for the Mexican cartels. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team initiated an investigation that spanned three (3) months. Debra Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. DRUG DEALER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH FLORIDA MAN'S FENTANYL OVERDOSE DEATH, Three suspects were arrested in Florida in connection with an undercover drug trafficking bust in which officials seized 11 pounds of fentanyl manufactured in Mexico. Police released these images from the bust. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about. The facilitatorthen warned the detectives about the risk of overdosing. Tara Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Once probation officers located illegal drugs, they relayed the information to detectives, who then secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. a whopping$1.4 billion worth of cocaine and weed. Criminal Arrest History: 2003-Burglary, Grand Theft, Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting, 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief and 2004- Felony Criminal Mischief. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He said since OPD started tracking drugs in the community in 2017, just in Ocala proper, police have responded to roughly 900 over dose incidents. This may be the biggest meth bust in American history . "This shows drug dealers here we mean business," Dean said. Copyright 2021 WCJB. All rights reserved. Ocala Post - June 18, 2019 55 Beverly Hills/Crystal River On June 14th, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Probation Office, completed the largest drug seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Very big bust, very, very happy with our Major Crimes Unit, UDEST, and were excited to do more of this for Ocala, OPD Public Information Officer, Corie Byrd said. 26. Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd is demanding answers. They were charged with marijuana cultivation, while Diaz was additionally charged with trafficking in cannabis. The cocaine has a street value of $2 million. 14th St. "This is a good day for Marion County," said Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean, standing alongside several tables covered with bales of marijuana and bricks of cocaine, Uzis, AK-47s, AR-15s, handguns and cash - part of the payoff from the weekend sweep. Operation Body Shot delivered more than a one-two punch: In all, there have been 11 arrests, with more pending. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. Rodriguez had his bond set at $10,000 and Diaz had his bond set at $35,000. K.C. When there was no answer, agents approached the metal building in the back and heard voices and doors slamming inside, as well as the odor of raw marijuana. Market data provided by Factset. A drug bust in Polk County that public assistance officials should have answers for and that has Florida residents, including law enforcement officials fuming with anger, is one of the largest in Central Florida History in regards to the purest form of Meth, which is ICE. According to a press release from the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriffs Office, employees of Clay Electric reached out to UDEST agents after they noticed an irregularity in service at a residence and, upon investigation, discovered the power was being diverted to a large metal building on the property for the purposes of growing marijuana. News. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Investigators searched two different homes last Friday. Mondragon was released on bond on October 17. Authorities obtained a search warrant and discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation with two rooms filled with marijuana plants, as well as a large quantity of equipment used to grow marijuana that had been destroyed. The undercover operation, which began in September, was carried out in coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said it was the largest fentanyl bust in the agency's history. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A shooting investigation lead Ocala police to uncover an interesting family dynamic. It reduced overdoes deaths and it really keeps our citizens healthy to keep that off the streets. He suggested wearing a mask and gloves, and that they drink milk before ingesting the drug to help with feelings of tightness in their chests. Sources said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with other associates. Both men are being held without bond. All rights reserved. Debra Tapia, 50, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Possession of a Structure Used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Jason Andreo James, 41, faces several . Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. The Obama administration has also warned that illegals should not be deported, and be given the same benefits as United States citizens, something officials are not willing to abide by or tolerate. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) announced Wednesday that they have seized more than 300 marijuana plants, plus an additional 300 packaged marijuana products. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that it was offloading a record-shattering amount of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Laura Byrnes covers the State Road 200 Corridor for The Leader. Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. The UDEST commander cited the recent arrest of 26-year-old Noah Steven Francis, of Summerfield, as one of the biggest his team has made. Reach out to your local police department or sheriffs office and ask for that help. We can help you take control and power away from the drug dealer and in so doing, maybe save your own life or the life of somebody else, Balken said. Diaz and Rodriguez were arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail on Tuesday. Recently, Eric Holder and President Obama announced they want law enforcement agencies to be lenient on drug dealers and individuals arrested for drug offences. All rights reserved. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. (See Attachment for Criminal Arrest History). Citrus County Sheriff's Office makes biggest drug bust in county history. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Joshua Widdows is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. 2023 www.ocala.com. Officials say it seems as though the Obama administration is going out of their way to release inmates that are currently or were previously in the drug business. Criminal Arrest History: DUI in 2013. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ocala, Florida -- On June 1, 2021,, FDA: Rat meat being served as chicken in Chinese and, Have you ever wondered what rat meat would taste like? Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. Alfredo Ortiz-Hernandez, 25, of 750 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, California is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in Meth over 200 grams, Trafficking in Meth over 200 grams. Images: 9 arrested in Ocala drug bust. All rights reserved. //

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