Both men are due back in court on October 19 at 9 a.m., according to jail records. Others arrested were Steven J. independent local journalism in Miami. Criminal Arrest History: August 16, 1995 arrest for Retail Theft, by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, November 20, 1995 arrest for Aggravated Battery and Retail Theft, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, July 27, 1997 arrest for Failure to Appear, and Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License, by the Orange County Sheriffs Office, May 28, 2003 arrest for Battery, by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, July 17, 2006 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine over 14 Grams, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While License Suspended, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, May 29, 209 Criminal Registration, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office and October 3, 2013 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine Over 14 Grams, Child Neglect, Possession of a Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. Investigators also learned Lopez and Flores consulted a Voodoo priest who would provide predictions, prophecies and readings regarding the organizations decisions and welfare. 0. He said during a multitude of investigations, they seized more than 300 marijuana plants, an additional 300 pounds of marijuana packed for distribution, more than one kilogram of concentrated THC derivatives, one and a half kilos of cocaine, one kilo of heroin, 36 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, three kilograms of Fentanyl, 21 guns and more than $180,000 in cash. Jose Godoy, 22, of 1108 Powerline Road, Davenport; Godoy is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams. UNIFIED DRUG ENFORCEMENT STRIKE TEAM . Once probation officers located illegal drugs, they relayed the information to detectives, who then secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. One suspect was in the U.S. illegally. Tara Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 7-year minimum mandatory sentence, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. 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). There have been dozens of posts in regards to hand sanitizer(s) and pets. Millard K. Ives of the Star-Banner contributed to this report. Market data provided by Factset. 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.". 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. Debra Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. (Fox News). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Microsoft released Windows 10 update KB4549951 on April 14. Criminal Arrest History: DUI in 2013. GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. A teenager from California was arrested in Clay County for trafficking a record-breaking amount of illegal narcotics into the area. All rights reserved. of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. 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. 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. 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. [CDATA[ 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. Members of a specialized strike team have taken down two large-scale drug trafficking operations in Marion County. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said it was the largest fentanyl bust in the agency's history. 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. Villafuerte Rojos was arrested at Loves Truck Stop during the interception of the 44 pounds of Methamphetamine on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Derrick Price was released from jail on August 9, 2014, at 5:17 a.m. [UPDATED On January 28, 2016, at 9:57p.m.]. Reach out for help. If convicted, he faces up to 105 years in prison. March 24, 2020. The victim in the shooting originally went to the home to buy some marijuana. Rodriguez showed up to the meeting in Polk County with five of the six kilograms. All rights reserved. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion County. Copyright 2021 WCJB. Battisti, who is on parole for grand theft from the state of New York, and is allowed in Florida by agreement of an interstate compact, was charged with the following: Possession of a Place to Manufacture a Controlled Substance when a Minor is Present or Resides there, Possession of Manufacturing Equipment, Possession of Paraphernalia, Trafficking in Cannabis, Trafficking in MDMA, Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell MDMA, Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be. Start at 9:30 if you want to go straight to the Sheriff express his anger over illegal immigrant drug dealers on welfare. He is pleased with the overall outcome of the investigation but wants answers. Some have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said. While investigators were on scene, another team of probation officers and detectives executed a search warrant at 726 N. Griffith Ave, Crystal River. Author email; Jan 31, 2020 Jan 31, 2020 Updated May 9, 2022; Facebook; 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. We want to hear from you. All rights reserved. Do you think Florida should drug test welfare recipients or prevent felons that have been convicted of alcohol or drug related offenses from receiving assistance? 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. [CDATA[ Crystal River -- Three days of Christmas celebrations being hosted by Crystal River on the downtown square will begin on Friday, December 3, 2021, Are you a single person looking to meet a friend, maybe find love? // ]]> Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. The big scale when you look at it, and you look at the big picture, some would say its something we just cant beat, I dont believe that. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Mondragon, 34, of 600 S.W. 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. The quantity of the drug was enough to kill 2.7 million people. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about. When police were investigating on Monday, they found what they believed to be drug activity, and they were right. In addition to the thousands of dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs, they were also collecting welfare benefits. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Speaking from the county's . 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. Tyler Scott is wanted for Possession of Methamphetamine, Sale of Methamphetamine and Own or Rent Structure for Knowingly Selling Drugs. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. 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. Probation officers had communicated their suspicions of illegal activity to TIU, who were standing by as probation searched the residence. Eric Holder is calling for the review of records on individuals that are currently serving time for drug charges, and says he may want their sentences to be reduced or inmates released. Tutt was killed when deputies returned fire. The drug operation was being run by Ricky Kirkland and his son. 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 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. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Castro Solache and Mondragon are charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. 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. Mondragon was released on bond on October 17. Robert Douglas, who oversees the unit comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agents. Reach out for help, he said. OCALA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Ocala police have released a video showing a drug bust. "This shows drug dealers here we mean business," Dean said. or redistributed. Great Investigation by OPD Major Crimes! 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. "This poison is coming into the country across the border from Mexico, and we are going to continue our investigation into the Mexican drug cartels who are killing innocent people," Judd said in a statement. There had been a number of burglaries in the area. Coast guard members work to free the entangled turtle from the bundles of drugs. 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. 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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. The cocaine has a street value of $2 million. "This was a group distributing this to our kids, families and friends.". Getting that fentanyl off the street is a really big deal. Starks, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. -. 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. FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of Daniel . The Starks brothers have been arrested multiple times in Marion County for cocaine distribution throughout Marion Oaks. Investigators identified the organizations source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: El Don. Flores resides in southern California and managed large scale methamphetamine shipments to Lakeland, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada through southern California from Mexico. 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? He also has a history with law enforcement. Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Until, Teacher arrested for having sex with student, A former New Smyrna Beach High School teacher was arrested Thursday and charged with Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor., Recreational red snapper season starts soon for Gulf state and federal waters in Florida, Pick-up truck owners furious over HB 1435, senators say it gives Florida sheriffs too much power, violates previous Supreme Court ruling, 3 days of Christmas celebration in Crystal River at the square, Sweetest Day speed dating event coming soon, Crystal River 4th of July fireworks canceled, Family used obituary to blame anti-vaxxers for death of family member who was vaccinated, Florida Department of Health issues alert for well owners in flooded areas, Doctors threatened by pharmaceutical companies, medical board, if they speak out against the shot, VIDEO: Scientists believe they discovered a breakthrough with COVID and snake venom enzyme, If a business asks to see proof of vaccine they will be fined $5,000, Florida House District candidate vows to sponsor bill to ban drag queen shows that allow children, Residents say officials allowing Crystal River to be destroyed, 350-acre site to be sold to Hamid Ashtari, Video: The FSA has officially eliminated in Florida, Pirates Cove a dead deal, residents want to sue county over roads, Healthcare worker had severe reaction to COVID-19 vaccine, CDC knew about previous reactions, Three men had intercourse with animals hundreds of times, say punishment was too harsh, Pennsylvania court says Secretary had no authority to change deadline 2 days before Election Day, 19 black families purchase 97 acres of land in Georgia to segregate themselves, create safe space for blacks. // ]]> 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. "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 that's caused by this deadly drug," Douglas said. 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. 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. 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. 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. Northwest Florida / 1 day ago. 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. Johnson, 518 Bahia Track Court, was charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and cocaine. Drugs, guns, and thousands of dollars were seized. He had two kilos hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. Lisa Bonugli (street nickname Methany) was also arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Dennis Strow of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. ]. 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. FOX 51 Gainesville. As a matter of fact, theyd be calling for the sheriffs job and the police chiefs job.. Undercover detectives arranged to purchase fentanyl from an unidentified source in Mexico for $24,000 per kilo. 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. Join the New Times community and help support 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 said that the arrest of Noah Francis in Summerfield was their biggest bust of the bunch, as they were able to recover two kilograms of fentanyl, the drug that is most commonly the cause of over dose deaths. the largest drug seizures in United States history," U.S. Attorney for the . All rights reserved. //