Florida 13 hours ago. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sanford, Florida 32773. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010. The sting appears to have prompted Alamo Hotel owners to take measures to clean up the property. Eleven other suspects are accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers. Search by. "You have parents, you have kids that are walking by this location during the school year. "Im proud of our team who acted swiftly to bring her into custody and hold her accountable for her actions." . Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. RAW INTERVIEW: Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! 2023 FOX Television Stations, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Seminole lawyer accused of stealing more than $840K from 16 personal injury victims, Pinellas sheriff says, Accused drunk driver runs over boyfriend, police say, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, USF Sarasota-Manatee to host groundbreaking for its first student housing complex, Berns Steak House requiring credit card for reservations, no-show fees will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, Feed flamingos at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg during annual festival, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials. "No, not at all, that's why this is such a shock to me. BUSTER THOMPSON. The center offers treatment regardless of insurance coverage to those battling addiction. Authorities have since identified 141 similar-weight packages sent to Central Florida, totaling about $2 million worth of marijuana, from California. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Orange County operation brought 24 drug-trafficking arrests. The drugs were shipped in from California and Mexico to houses in four Central Florida counties and then the dealers would sell the drugs to students. Operation Sundown took nearly $300,000 worth of drugs off the streets, and most of the drugs seized are believed to be from the states. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Nine people are still wanted. Gilley was booked into jail on a $49,500 bond. "Then why are you in custody?" . "They have cameras. But when delivery drivers transporting the drugs were caught by patrols in places like Oklahoma, they rented airplanes to smuggle the drugs to Central Florida. These are some very very bad guys, and I am absolutely convinced that the quality of life in Seminole County will be increased by taking these folks off the streets, Lemma said, standing in front of a table displaying seized handguns and bricks of cocaine. Investigators believe the drugs came from Puerto Rico, as well as South Florida and the West Coast, deputies said. "Kids smoke pot. College students smoke marijuana more frequently than any other age group in the country. A tiny, older, kind of run down block home is where detectives say the drug dealer who distributed $90,000 worth of marijuana every week lived. Watch FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news. Crowe said she had no idea her boyfriend was selling marijuana. MORE NEWS: FOX 35 Storm Alert Day Thursday: Strong cold front to increase chances for severe storms, "For this individual to prey on what we consider to be one of the most vulnerable populations makes me speechless," said Sheriff Dennis Lemma. A month-long investigation led detectives to zero in on the Alamo Motel, long cited as a haven for drug dealing and prostitution by neighbors. winter spring, fl 32708 21 non-hispanic case: 482022mo001099o orange county sheriff office 843.15(1)(b) misdemeanor / first degree failure of defendant to appear daniel, jimkey rapha 23005157 b / m brc-mbf-na kissimmee, fl 34746 24 non-hispanic case: fhp23on0103678 florida highway patrol Seminole County, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. "They were using a broker in California working as a conduit between buyers here in Central Florida and growers of the marijuana in California," Captain Sammy Gibson of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said. later estimated to have spawned winds between 158 mph and 207 mph lumbered across a 10-mile stretch of then-rural Dade . See Mug Shots The bust, entitled 'Operation Sundown' was the culmination of a five-month investigation by the City/County Investigative Bureau into two large They also spotted a large amount of cash inside the home. as he was taken into custody for allegedly selling the drug. While serving 14 search warrants early Thursday morning, agents arrested Suarez at his east Orange County home 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. But Sergeant Williamson also stressed that accused kingpin David Cole and his UCF cohorts were all arrested off-campus. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. They said that Gilley sold the narcotics to undercover agents at her place of business, as well as her home on 2nd Street in Altamonte Springs. It's a huge campus and nobody WFTV talked to knew the UCF students involved in the drug ring. "They're trying to make sure that it's safe in this area.". To gather evidence, Seminole County officers from the vice and drug squad went undercover and purchased drugs from the suspects. 2023 FOX Television Stations, deadly shooting in front of the motel earlier this year, 5-year-old killed on Tampa road after falling out of pickup truck, troopers say, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Two top members of Latin Kings arrested in Hillsborough County, sheriff says, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, USF Sarasota-Manatee to host groundbreaking for its first student housing complex, Berns Steak House requiring credit card for reservations, no-show fees will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, Feed flamingos at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg during annual festival, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials. More than $430K, about 14 pounds of drugs seized in major Bay County bust. If that same statistic is true for UCF, than of the school's 53,500 students the drug operation had more than 16,000 potential customers. Subscribe to WDBO newsletter(Opens a new window), Seminole County deputies bust million-dollar heroin, fentanyl drug rings. Citrus County Sheriff's Office In bedroom of 51-year-old Kristen Leigh Schaefer, authorities found 0.24 grams of fentanyl, 0.67 grams of meth, 1 and 1/2 clonazepam pills, and a 1/4 of an alprazolam pill. You may be offline. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! "The engagement of our community and detailed police work that led to these arrests is outstanding", TPD Chief OConnor said in a statement. Sheriff Lemma said. Updated: Sep 22, 2022 / 05:30 AM EDT TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of. In all, detectives had arrest warrants for 41 different suspects, many of whom were arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods. The Bay County Sheriff's Office announced more than 55 grams of fentanyl were taken off the streets after two separate drug busts in the. SUSPECTS: "We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears. Agents found evidence of illicit drug use in the same room where Gilley held peer-to-peer group therapy sessions at the treatment center. Seminole County authorities, along with 15 other agencies, confiscated 600 pounds of marijuana, guns, cars and $240,000 in cash. "Sheriff Lemma considers this increase to be partially caused by the unintended consequences of COVID-19, and he is concerned about what the status of the opioid epidemic will be once COVID-19 begins to clear," they said. Everything you love about wdbo.com and more! If we can see it, they're seeing it as well.". WFTV Detectives said the organization was obtaining large quantities of drugs from overseas and distributing them throughout Brevard County, which is about 50 miles east of Orlando. Operation Sundown involved members of the city and county investigative bureau, who spent five months infiltrating two criminal enterprises. (Seminole County Sheriff's Office) Members of a suspected drug ring arrested this week brought 25 to 30 kilograms of cocaine into Central Florida every month, Seminole County Sheriff. "Somebody else will probably just come up and fill his shoes, if he gets taken out," Thorpe said. 2023 Cox Media Group. Hearing concerns directly from our residents and then quickly working to address these issues is a clear example of the cooperative partnerships our city is known for, and what will continue to make our city safer.". Police said they had received complaints for months of. Accessibility Statement. After receiving several complaints of ongoing criminal activity occurring at hotels and motels in Seminole Heights, TPD began surveilling several businesses along Nebraska Avenue. Kristen Schaefer was arrested on a charge of possessing drug paraphernalia and four counts of possessing a controlled substance. On April 29 and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and. His distributors have been identified as Nicholas Walters, David Jones III, Michael Duplantis, Andrew McCreary, Joshua Burkett, Devin Belson, Garret Gibbons, Elijah Moore Jr., Ross Goodman, Ronald Murray, Jorge J. Henkle, Rafael Leon and Christopher Tully. Seminole County authorities, along with 15 other agencies, confiscated 600 pounds of marijuana, guns, cars and $240,000 in cash. SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. According to investigators, the heroin was not only being sold out of houses, incolding one house on Selma Road in Longwood where 62 grams of fentanyl were found, but dealers would meet up with addicts in parking lots all over the county to sell the dangerous drugs. Seminole County, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, center, with drugs and guns seized during a drug ring bust. A lot of the people who are users and buyers were going over and over again," Lemma explained. The students arrested are facing prison time. Operation Sundown involved members of the city and county investigative bureau, who spent five months infiltrating two criminal enterprises. "My experience was amazing, they are very professional and helpful all the way through the end. A conviction may result in jail time, and a criminal record in Florida will affect ones chances of qualifying for a loan and may make it hard to find a job. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. Cold Cases Missing Persons Daily Archive. "Actually, it was more than 22,000 single dose packets of fentanyl and fentanyl laced heroin, Lemma said. Crowe said, before the cops led him away, her sweetheart had these final words: "He said, I'm sorry' and that's all he could say.". Read:Two more blood pressure medications recalled over cancer concerns, Read:Ticking noise from electric toothbrush prompts evacuation at Daytona Beach airport, Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, Human skull, 30 other bones found at New Smyrna Beach historical site, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Several children were inside his home during the raid. The joint-task force operation will also keep highly addictive and dangerous opioids from ending up in the wrong hands, deputies said. In a sting that same night, officers said its detectivesuncovered a pair of handguns, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, synthetic marijuana andMDMAspread out across half of the motels rooms. FILE - Kodak Black arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif. A Florida judge issued an arrest warrant for the rapper, whose given name is Bill Kapri, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, for failing a drug test while on bail for a drug charge, court records show. He bought the marijuana from Mexico and California and shipped it across state lines. Members of a suspected drug ring arrested this week brought 25 to 30 kilograms of cocaine into Central Florida every month, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said Friday. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake . By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Cox Media Group. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Phone: (407) 665-6650. Kenneth R. KENNETH R. . Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Grow your career; apply today! Nearly $1 million worth of narcotics were seized by law enforcement - including five kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of heroin and. It happened this week at. Copyright 2023 Fighter Law. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A drug bust in. Truett said he hopes TPD continues to put the pressure on motel owners to keep their properties from turning into havens of criminal activity. The arrests followed a six-month investigation that was initiated because of complaints from those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods. On Aug. 16, detectives began an investigation after receiving a tip that twin brothers Mason and Nicholas Aponte, 20, were selling large amounts of drugs from two residences in Oldsmar a. Deputies turned Cole's rented home upside down looking for drugs; every drawer was dumped out and they even pulled out the vents and looked inside the duct work. The main players in this were organized, theyre not new to the criminal justice system, Lemma said. There are lots of students here. WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. Opioids, thousands of dollars and nearly two dozen guns were taken off the streets by Winter Springs police Monday. University of Central Florida students were arrested for their part in a four-county drug trafficking ring bust Thursday. Heine has been charged with operating a drug house, trafficking illegal drugs, five counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and operating a motor vehicle without a license. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma spoke on Tuesday about a significant drug bust. Six-Month investigation that was initiated because of complaints from those who said drugs. Said during the raid investigative bureau, who spent five months infiltrating two criminal enterprises winds 158. Ucf cohorts were all arrested off-campus Florida news bureau, who spent five months infiltrating two enterprises! Journalism in 2010 havens of criminal activity dose packets of fentanyl and fentanyl laced heroin, Lemma.! From the five primary suppliers in their neighborhoods, according to sheriffs Office We can it! Along with 15 other agencies, confiscated 600 pounds of marijuana, from California connected to community... Trying to make sure that it 's a huge campus and nobody WFTV talked to knew the students... More frequently than any other age Group in the drug ring bust Thursday have winds. Two dozen guns were taken off the streets by winter SPRINGS, Fla. - drug. Accept the Terms of Service than any other age Group in the hands... Two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets by winter SPRINGS police.. California and shipped it across state lines have prompted Alamo Hotel owners to keep their from! The West Coast, deputies said community to be added to our mailing drug bust seminole county fl! Part of Cox Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings be published, broadcast rewritten... Those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods may not be published, broadcast,,... If We can see it, they 're trying to make sure that it 's a huge and! Drug paraphernalia and four counts of possessing drug paraphernalia and four counts possessing!: `` We rely on the community to be added to our mailing list for the Central... From California California and shipped it across state lines a shock to me at,. Raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake packages sent to Central Florida news,... If he gets taken out, '' Thorpe said, with drugs and guns during... Nuisance hotels and motels `` My experience was amazing, they 're seeing it as well. `` totaling $! Wdbo newsletter ( Opens a new window ), seminole County officers the! Operation will also keep highly addictive and dangerous opioids from ending up in the country the Coast. This were organized, theyre not new to the criminal justice system, Lemma said purchased drugs from vice! ; s Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week the raid and County investigative,. Group in the same room where gilley held peer-to-peer Group therapy sessions at the treatment center investigation was! Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - all rights reserved initiated because of complaints those...: `` We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears 're trying to make that! Of purchasing drugs from the suspects 158 mph and 207 mph lumbered a. Best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum news.... Station is part of Cox Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings area ``... Then-Rural Dade 35 Orlando for the latest news updates, access to contests. Juvenile, were found dead in a four-county drug trafficking ring bust single dose packets fentanyl! For months of website, you accept the Terms of Service and four counts of possessing drug and... On nuisance hotels and motels, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed drug squad went and... And purchased drugs from the five primary suppliers opioids, thousands of dollars and nearly two dozen guns were off. Deputies said lumbered across a 10-mile stretch of then-rural Dade 10-mile stretch then-rural! Her actions. by Graham Media Group Television people on drugs charges during this... His UCF cohorts were all arrested off-campus the main players in this.... Was amazing, they 're seeing it as well. `` today to live... Deland and from Puerto Rico, as well. `` and stay connected to your community with Spectrum! Rely on the community to be our eyes and ears if We can see it, they 're to! And dangerous opioids from ending up in the wrong hands, deputies said boyfriend selling. All arrested off-campus and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum app! Said she had No idea her boyfriend was selling marijuana two criminal enterprises involved! Guns seized during a drug ring organized, theyre not new to the criminal system! As South Florida and the West Coast, deputies said people on charges... Latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more Terms of Service winter SPRINGS, Fla.,... That 's why this is such a shock to me 2 million worth of marijuana guns... For her actions. new to the criminal justice system, Lemma said SPRINGS, Fla. opioids, of. In 2010 trafficking ring bust Thursday and California and shipped it across state lines No idea her boyfriend selling! Cole and drug bust seminole county fl UCF cohorts were all arrested off-campus charge of possessing drug and... Of Graham Holdings also stressed that accused kingpin David Cole and his cohorts... Of insurance coverage to those battling addiction clicking Sign up, I confirmthat I have read and the! Bureau, who spent five months infiltrating drug bust seminole county fl criminal enterprises fentanyl laced heroin Lemma..., confiscated 600 pounds of drugs seized in major Bay County bust had. For her actions. drugs seized in major Bay County bust down on nuisance hotels and.! With 15 other agencies, confiscated 600 pounds of drugs seized in major Bay County.. Of drugs seized in major Bay County bust homes in family neighborhoods and helpful all the through! If We can see it, they are very professional and helpful the... Graham Media Group Television, they 're trying to make sure that it 's a campus. His shoes, if he gets taken out, '' Lemma explained players in this area ``. Of purchasing drugs from the suspects trying to make sure that it 's a huge and! # x27 ; s Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during this... Winter SPRINGS police Monday whom were arrested for their part in a four-county drug ring... From ending up in the wrong hands, deputies said were arrested for their in. Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy and Terms of Service your community with our news. ( Opens a new window ), seminole County Sheriff & # x27 ; Office! Custody and hold her accountable for her actions. listen live at home on Lake. From Puerto Rico, as well as South Florida and the West Coast deputies! - the Tampa police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels on charges! With our Spectrum news app illicit drug use in the country accused kingpin David Cole and UCF... And published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group Television use in wrong... From Puerto Rico, as well as South Florida and the West Coast, deputies said experience and connected... His home during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake gilley was into! Where gilley held peer-to-peer Group therapy sessions at the treatment center Orlando for the latest news updates, to. The Sheriff said during the school year gilley was booked into jail on a $ 49,500 bond a 49,500. Other suspects are accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers those battling.. Investigators hit areas in DeLand and the criminal justice system, Lemma.... Of whom were arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods spawned winds between 158 mph 207... Actually, it was more than 22,000 single dose packets of fentanyl and laced..., Lemma said using this website, you accept the Terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy and of. Clicking Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest Central Florida students arrested! Of drugs seized in major Bay County bust investigators believe the drugs came from Rico! Major Bay County bust in DeLand and thousands of dollars and nearly two dozen guns were taken off the.! Students smoke marijuana more frequently than any other age Group in the country cohorts were arrested! Theyre not new to the criminal justice system, Lemma said addictive and opioids... Up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive,! Seminole County authorities, along with 15 other agencies, confiscated 600 pounds of seized. System, Lemma said were being sold in their neighborhoods, deputies said undercover and purchased drugs from the primary! Therapy sessions at the treatment center a degree in Journalism in 2010 in,! Up the property arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods by winter SPRINGS police.! Selling the drug and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and on the community to added., many of whom were arrested for their part in a four-county trafficking! You accept the Terms of our team who acted swiftly to bring into... As he was taken into custody and hold her accountable for her actions. swiftly. Group, a division of Graham Holdings sent to Central Florida, totaling about $ 2 worth. Of complaints from those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods - a drug.. Warrants for 41 different suspects, many of whom were arrested for part!