Copyright 2021 WCJB. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. All rights reserved. (See Attachment for Criminal Arrest History). I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Both deputies recovered. UDEST agents went to the residence to conduct a power investigation. When police were investigating on Monday, they found what they believed to be drug activity, and they were right. Douglas said its no secret that Marion County has been experiencing an increase in overdoses and his team decided it was time to go after the drug traffickers responsible. She can be reached at 732-7159 or laura.byrnes@starbanner.com. In addition to the thousands of dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs, they were also collecting welfare benefits. 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. Start at 9:30 if you want to go straight to the Sheriff express his anger over illegal immigrant drug dealers on welfare. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Also known as J. Felix Mondragonnunez and Duque Nunez Gonzalo, among other aliases, Mondragon was arrested for conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and is being held on $500,000 bond. 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. Members of a specialized strike team have taken down two large-scale drug trafficking operations in Marion County. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. Johnson, 518 Bahia Track Court, was charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and cocaine. Agents seized 147 grams of cocaine, valued at $7,000; 815 illegally diverted pharmaceutical drugs of various types, including Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, valued at $21,000; ten (10) grams of marijuana, valued at $100; cash totaling $39,340 ; drug paraphernalia, including cocaine and pill presses, scales, and distribution packaging materials; one (1) high-powered assault weapon; ten (10) small arms handguns (various makes, models, and calibers); a cache of ammunition (various calibers); a black 2010 Nissan Maxima; a black 2008 BMW 5-Series; a black 2010 GMC Denali; a silver 2007 Mercedes E-Series; a black 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 motorcycle; one (1) 2014 Triple Crown flatbed trailer; two (2) 2010 Sea-Doo jet skis; and seven (7) flat screen televisions (various models and sizes). 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. Tutt was killed when deputies returned fire. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A shooting investigation lead Ocala police to uncover an interesting family dynamic. 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. Nicole Radank, 33, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of an Altered Firearm, Possession of Cocaine (x2), Selling Cocaine, Possession of Xanax, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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 drug operation was being run by Ricky Kirkland and his son. High 79F. "We've made some large seizures, but nothing like this," Strow said. He also faces a July 25 arraignment. Over the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. 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. Price, Perez, the Starks brothers, and Radank have extensive felony arrest records from other counties. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. The illegal narcotics worth. Mary Pressley, 23, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. Pressleys name was not named in the search warrant; she was just an added bonus that happened to be present due to the fact she is in a relationship with Marcus. Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. Sources said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with other associates. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about. [CDATA[ 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. Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. Antifreeze and hand sanitizer are not the same thing, How to bypass Floridas unemployment online waiting queue, Major issues with latest Windows 10 update, especially for teachers and students, Two camera apps removed from Google Play, consumers should immediately delete them, I-75 northbound lanes closed following fatal crash, Letter to the Editor: Stop allowing Crystal River to be destroyed, Deputy drives his car into a retention ditch, Bright Beginnings Learning Academy & Preschool is Now Enrolling new students, hurry before seats are full, Do not call 911 to report people setting off fireworks, not an emergency and its legal, Crystal River teen arrested, attempted to sell stolen gun via Snapchat. All rights reserved. Small and Daniel J. Colburn, both of Ocala; Jose Delasancha-Delgado and Feliciano perez-James of Deland; Jose Galarza-Escobar of Marietta, Ga.; and Adrian Galarza-Popoca of Atlanta, Ga. Two other men, Bryan Muse and Noah Shackleford of Kentucky, had allegedly just made a drug purchase from Dandridge to take back to Kentucky when they were arrested in Alachua County. Demasco Candid Lugo, 30, of 908 Ruth Avenue, Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. This month the DEA made the biggest meth bust in American history: 2200 pounds of meth, nearly 900 pounds of cocaine, and 13 pounds of heroin. Melonie Holt Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show] Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. OCALA - In the boxing ring, when someone takes a shot to the body, it often knocks the wind out of them. 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. Researchers from the University of Arizona, in collaboration with Stony Brook University and Wake Forest School of Medicine, analyzed blood samples from COVID patient Florida - In May, Gov. Sheriff Grady Judd said, when certain individuals make national TV appearances and tell the public that drug dealers are not that bad or the offences are not that serious, they are not telling the truth. News. Maj. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He had two kilos hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. Updated: Apr. This single opportunity to work in cooperation with the Florida Department of Corrections resulted in nearly a million dollars worth of drugs and guns taken off the streets of Citrus County., Citrus County Sheriffs Office |Citrus County Clerk of the Court |Citrus County Fire Rescue |Citrus County Property Appraiser | Inverness Fire Rescue | Citrus County Tax Collector | Citrus County Child Advocacy | Citrus County 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. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . (Polk County Sheriff's Office). That's exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO'd the largest drug trafficking ring in Marion County's history. of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Collectively, the street value of these illegal substances is estimated to be $970,000, the largest street value seizure in the agencys history. The Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, located at, 1935 SE US Highway At a June 18, 2020, emergency meeting of the Crystal River City Council, members voted unanimously to postpone the 2020 fireworks display to a An Illinois family used the obituary of their loved one who allegedly had passed away from COVID-19 to blame anti-vaxxers for her death. Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation. Copyright 2021 WCJB. Many Florida officials and legislators feel that Florida should follow Mississippis lead, however some residents are not convinced it is the right move and fear it will open the door for profiling. Experts say if a recipient has nothing to hide; then what would a welfare recipient need to be worried about? Joshua Widdows is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. The search also netted the largest cannabis wax and MDMA seizures in CCSO history. Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be. After the deal went bad, he found his way to the hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injuries where police were able to interview him. pic.twitter.com/ih10AhQAlx. Crystal River, FL (34429) Today. The recreational red snapper season will start June 17 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 31 with Florida -- On May 26, 2022, Gov. Luis Villafuerte Rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland. Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida Joel Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. 1:14. The victim in the shooting originally went to the home to buy some marijuana. "This was a group distributing this to our kids, families and friends.". or redistributed. He has a long history of incarceration for crimes stretching back nearly two decades, including a three-month stint in prison for aggravated assault with a weapon out of St. Johns County and possession of a firearm by a felon. Others arrested were Steven J. Ocala Post. 26. 2023 www.ocala.com. UNIFIED DRUG ENFORCEMENT STRIKE TEAM . a whopping$1.4 billion worth of cocaine and weed. Published July 4, 2018. Today, November 3, 2021, Chick-fil-A is, Citrus Springs Middle School teacher remains behind bars, Dunnellon -- Citrus Springs Middle School teacher, Jeffrey Brake, was still behind bars on August 20, following his arrest. Taking this much Fentanyl off the streets was a huge win for the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team in Marion County and Ocala because we prevented countless overdose deaths thats caused by this deadly drug, Douglas said. 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. Danielle Campbell, 26, of 9555 Kingsbury Court, Windermere is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Dandridge faces one first-degree felony charge of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, both second-degree felonies. The long-term investigation culminated on Thursday, August 7, 2014, at approximately 5:50 a.m., when the UDEST, along with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Ocala Police Department SWAT Teams, executed five (5) search warrants. Laura Byrnes covers the State Road 200 Corridor for The Leader. Starks, 42, of Marion Oaks, was charged with Selling Cocaine (x3), Possession of Cocaine (x3), Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (x2), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. One suspect was in the U.S. illegally. Citrus County Sheriff's Office makes biggest drug bust in county history. Hector Sanyustiz, 30 ,of 1254 Westside Drive, Winter Garden, is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Caton is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. Rodriguezalso told detectives he could sell them marijuana, meth and cocaine. Sheriff Grady Judd promises that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization. Getting that fentanyl off the street is a really big deal. All rights reserved. Marcus, Pressley, and Perez are back on the streets. The cocaine has a street value of $2 million. 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. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. Villafuerte Rojos was arrested at Loves Truck Stop during the interception of the 44 pounds of Methamphetamine on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. 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. 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. Market data provided by Factset. K.C. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. All rights reserved. More . We can help you take control away from the drug dealers and in so doing maybe save your own life and the life of somebody else.. Author email; Jan 31, 2020 Jan 31, 2020 Updated May 9, 2022; Facebook; All rights reserved. Great Investigation by OPD Major Crimes! 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Sanyustiz is currently receiving Federal/public assistance, Laura Caton, 35, of 2718 Sample Street, Kissimmee, Caton 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. Rodriguez had his bond set at $10,000 and Diaz had his bond set at $35,000. 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? Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Danielle Campbell is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team initiated an investigation that spanned three (3) months. 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. "We're hoping this would be a shot into the body of the drug dealers and take the wind out of the organization," said Capt. ]. [CDATA[ K.C. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion County. Eugenia Lopez, 29, of 402 Wildlife Trail Lakeland is charged with Possession of a Place or Structure being Used for the Sale of a Controlled Substance. On Tuesday, agents of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) arrested 49-year-old Alexis Diaz of North West Palm and 60-year-old Rigoberto Rodriguez of Miami after being called to investigate power theft at 6659 NE 9th Street Road. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. . Both are in the Alachua County Jail on charges of trafficking in cocaine. A man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. //