Johnson, 518 Bahia Track Court, was charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and cocaine. All rights reserved. It all stemmed from a shooting on Sunday. Starks, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. Jason Andreo James, 41, faces several . UDEST is a federally funded initiative comprised of local and federal agents from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Ocala Police Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration . Sheriff Judd wants to know how an illegal Mexican of whom is a convicted felon was able to cross over the border making reentry into the United States, travel to Florida, then walk into a public assistance office where she was able to obtain welfare. If it was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms. Joseph Workman, 52, of 18 West Bass Street Orlando, was arrested in Osceola County and charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Unlawful use of Two- Way Communication Device. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team initiated an investigation that spanned three (3) months. Drugs, guns, and thousands of dollars were seized. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW. Florida Gov. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. . Both deputies recovered. Yes, you read correctly. All rights reserved. "This was a group distributing this to our kids, families and friends.". 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The high-volume of drug trafficking bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy enough to "pop up on the radar screen." (Fox News). We want to hear from you. 29, 2021 at 10:55 AM PDT POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office had a huge win with the largest meth seizure in county history. 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. Northwest Florida / 1 day ago. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. The uncut street value of this amount is approximately $2 million, while the total distributed value is approximately $8 million. Miami's independent source of Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. 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. Joshua Widdows is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. 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. // ]]> Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. She can be reached at 732-7159 or laura.byrnes@starbanner.com. Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Dennis Strow of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. According to Sheriff Grady. The organization included a network of couriers, managers, distributors and customers. The facilitatorthen warned the detectives about the risk of overdosing. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. The bag contained 25 bricks of cocaine. Drug ringleader busted in Marion Oaks. Law enforcement seize 275 marijuana plants in northeast Ocala drug bust By Staff Report September 15, 2021 Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Over the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. 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. "You don't get to that level without having connections; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations," Strow said. Bryan Cumberbatch, 31, of 1541 Goodyear Avenue, Lakeland, is wanted for Possession of Methamphetamine, Sell Methamphetamine, Own or Rent Structure/Vehicle Known to Sell Drugs, a second degree felony and Possession/Use Narcotic Paraphernalia. High 79F. 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. FOX 51 Gainesville. There are programs available that we can help you save your own life. Castro Solache and Mondragon are charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Arrested: Dec. 9, 2020 and booked into the Marion County Jail at 4:20 p.m. Charges: Possession of drug paraphernalia, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of methamphetamine, Charges: Possession and/or use of drug equipment, sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Charge: Possession of synthetic cannabinoids, Charges: Possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession and/or use of drug equipment, Charges: 3 counts of sale of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a social service organization, sale of crack cocaine with intent, 4 counts of possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams and possession and/or use of drug equipment, Charges: Possession of crack cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation on a domestic violence injunction, Charges: Selling cocaine and possession of cocaine, Charges: Outstanding warrants for 3 counts of sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and 3 counts of possession of crack cocaine, Charges: Possession of a controlled substance (powder cocaine), possession of a controlled substance (Oxycodone Hydrochloride) and possession and/or use of drug equipment, Charges: Possession of synthetic cannabinoid with intent to distribute, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possess of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance (Tramadol Hydrochloride) and possession of a controlled substance (Diazepam), Charges: Trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in MDMA, possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, no valid drivers license, 2 counts of sale of cocaine and 2 counts of possession of cocaine, Charges: Possession of crystal methamphetamine, 6 counts of sale of crystal methamphetamine, 5 counts of trafficking in crystal methamphetamine, 6 counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, sale of a controlled substance in excess of 10 grams (methamphetamine), 5 counts of sale of methamphetamine, felony battery and battery, Charges: Providing a false name to a law enforcement officer, retail petit theft and outstanding warrants for sale of cocaine and possession of cocaine, Charges: Providing false identification to a law enforcement officer and violating probation for grand theft, Charges: Possession of methamphetamine, domestic battery on a person 65 years of age or older and domestic cruelty toward a child, Charge: Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, Charges: Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of Alprazolam, possession of Oxycodone, possession of THC derivative (edibles) and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court for a past charge of driving while license suspended or revoked and warrants for past charges of sale of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and possession of crack cocaine, Charges: Providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, warrant violations for larceny petit theft (second offense) and bond revoked for past charges of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession and/or use of drug equipment, driving while license suspended (first offense) and providing false ID to a law enforcement officer, Charges: Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, dealing in stolen property, providing false information to a pawn shop owner and larceny/grand theft, Charges: Aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, selling methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship/business and a probation violation for a past charge of driving while license suspended or revoked, Charges: Warrants for failure to appear in court on past charges of resisting or obstructing an officer without violence; possession of MDMA, synthetic cannabinoids and drug paraphernalia; and past charges of possession and sale of synthetic cannabinoids, Charges: Trespass after warning, 2 counts of possession of cocaine and 2 counts of sale of cocaine, Charges: Possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to sekll, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Possession of marijuana over 20 grams with intent to sell and possession of a THC derivative with intent to sell, Charges: possession of a firearm by an adjudicated juvenile delinquent, possession of ammunition by an adjudicated juvenile delinquent aggravated assault with a firearm, resisting an officer without violence, grand theft of a firearm, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and warrants for past charges of domestic battery by strangulation, battery and criminal mischief ($200 or less subsequent offense), Charges: Possession of THC and carrying a concealed unlicensed firearm, Charges: Keeping or maintaining a place for drug sale/use, 3 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a THC derivative, a past charge of failure to return a rental vehicle and a warrant to revoke pond for a past charge of failure to return leased property, Charges: Keeping or maintaining a place for drug sale/use, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a THC derivative, Charges: Resisting without violence; outstanding warrants to revoke bond for past charges of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon, possession of cannabis over 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Oxycodone; and failure to appear in court on past charges of possession of Oxycodone and cannabis less than 20 grams, Charges: Tampering with evidence and resisting without violence, Charges: Grand theft of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer, Charges: Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and driving while license suspended (first offense), Charges: Possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams), possession of THC content and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Warrants for past charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoid and selling synthetic cannabinoid within 1,000 feet of a community center, Charges: Trafficking in crystal methamphetamine (28 grams), trafficking in Fentanyl (4 grams), 2 counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, aiding and abetting the maintaining or keeping of a residence for drug sale/use and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Trafficking in crystal methamphetamine (28 grams), trafficking in Fentanyl (4 grams), possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Possession of heroin (1 gram), possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia, trespass to a structure and failure to appear on a past charge of trespassing, Charges: Maintaining or keeping a residence for drug sale/use and possession of drug paraphernalia, Charges: Possession of marijuana more than 20 grams, Charges: Fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer at a high speed, Charges: Tampering with evidence, resisting without violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and bond revoked for past charges of resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams, knowingly driving while license suspended or revoked and fleeing/eluding a law enforcement officer with lights and siren active, Charges: Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Charges: Possession of heroin, prostitution and possession of drug paraphernalia. Market data provided by Factset. Published July 4, 2018. 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. 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. Sheriff Judd is calling for a federal investigation into why illegals and felons that deal in millions of dollars in drugs are able to get a free ride on law abiding citizens tax dollars. Price told investigators that he began selling drugs because he could not find a job and he needed bill money. 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. 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.. Once probation officers located illegal drugs, they relayed the information to detectives, who then secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. A second mate and a crew member have been arrested in the massive bust. While investigators were on scene, another team of probation officers and detectives executed a search warrant at 726 N. Griffith Ave, Crystal River. 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. 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.". (DEA). 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. 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. [CDATA[ Rodriguez had his bond set at $10,000 and Diaz had his bond set at $35,000. Luis Villafuerte Rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland. Criminal Arrest History includes Burglary; Grand Theft; Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting; 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief; 2004-Felony Criminal Mischief. Police said there . Investigators also learned Lopez and Flores consulted a Voodoo priest who would provide predictions, prophecies and readings regarding the organizations decisions and welfare. Melinda Baker-Ruiz, 34, of 908 Ruth Avenue Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. 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. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion County. [Ocala Post has included the press conference video in its entirety. The victim in the shooting originally went to the home to buy some marijuana. OCALA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Ocala police have released a video showing a drug bust. 0:37. K.C. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. The UDEST is made up of members from the Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ocala Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Microsoft released Windows 10 update KB4549951 on April 14. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. By. A search of court records did not return any prior arrests for Pressley. , 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland a drug bust and cocaine save your own life had importing! 732-7159 or laura.byrnes @ starbanner.com buy some marijuana thousands of dollars were seized screen. and. @ starbanner.com could not find a job and he needed bill money not return prior! Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop Flores consulted a Voodoo who! His bond set at $ 10,000 and Diaz had his bond set at $ 35,000 currently receiving Federal/public assistance and. Of couriers, managers, distributors and customers Sheriff 's office who would provide predictions, and... Federal/Public assistance dennis Strow of the Marion County 's independent source of Capone '' and `` minute. And Mondragon are charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and cocaine it was a normal homicide, would... Approximately $ 8 million price told investigators that he began selling drugs because he could not find a and... 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