He said, so far, no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name. The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force continues to combat illegal drug activity and drug dealers throughout the local area. Deputies made the stop Thursday night on Marler Bridge after a white pickup truck. The OCSO was assisted by the State Attorneys Office, DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. While many illegal drug operations in Colorado get slapped with misdemeanors, the people in this case, Turner said, are looking at a minimum of eight years if convicted. Deputies said two kids were sleeping in the home near uncapped needles and drugs. Theft and burglaries increase. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in U.S. currency, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and around 2,500 grams of marijuana. The following persons were present during the search warrant execution and were arrested: 18 arrested in Okaloosa County drug sweep. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. During the search, deputies seized firearms, more than a million dollars, and cultivated marijuana. Applicants claiming preference must submit a Form DD-214. An individual identified as the manager of the operation, 44-year-old Jose Francisco Figueroa-Aguilar of Modesto, California, was ultimately arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession and Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana. The warrant stemmed from an investigation into a large-scale black-market marijuana grow. "Because of the volume of the drugs involved in this case, several of those individuals are looking at anywhere between 25 years minimum mandatory to 15 years minimum mandatory. 33-year old Heather Sutton then tried to climb out a window before being A pedestrian walking north across Highway 98 near Vinings Way Boulevard in Destin was struck by a car and killed Thursday night shortly after 6:30 p.m. Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Investigators are working to determine the hometown of the 27-year old Hispanic Deputy Javonnia Peak and Sgt. Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America. The bust took place at a homestead property at 34 9th Avenue that has been the source of multiple overdoses, drug-related deaths, and complaints from residents and developers in the community. (850) 216-3845 Following the search, seven individuals were arrested at a Crestview home. All 6 adults were taken into custody for. OCSO deputies A Baker woman who intentionally drove westbound in the eastbound lanes on Highway 98 near Hurlburt Field is charged with aggravated battery. The search of the home turned up used syringes, methamphetamine, fentanyl and more. OCSO News Release: Six people were taken into custody following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a Niceville area home thats been associated with narcotics overdoses and suspected narcotics distribution. "DEA will not waiver in our pursuit of holding individuals like Mr. Obregon accountable for their crimes," said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. Three arrested and more than a pound of meth seized in DeFuniak Springs drug bust, Man sentenced to 15 years after arrest for drug possession at Miramar Beach rental cabin, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office has arrested a Crestview man, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a residence on Wingard Street in Crestview. Walton County Sheriffs Office would like to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Panama City and Pensacola Drug Task Forces, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Florida, the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, and the Walton and Okaloosa County State Attorneys Offices for their assistance in the operation. The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit arrived at the home at 1481 Pine Street on June 28th and took several subjects into custody. by Kirstin Kerns. PENSACOLA Eleven people from Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Navarre and Miramar Beach were sentenced Friday to multi-year federal prison terms on drug-related charges. Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla More than 3,000 grams of cocaine is seized during a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa Counties resulting in the arrest of 21 people. "One milligram is a dose, two milligrams is an overdose. Copyright 2023 Walton County Sheriff's Office. The task force, which includes the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview. 33-year old Seth Beavers of Sterling Illinois, a former Naval rescue swimmer, is currently being held 24 years after a woman reported being sexually assaulted in the Poquito Bayou area near Shalimar, the suspect, now aged 60 and living under an alias, is behind bars in Okaloosa County. A search warrant was executed Wednesday at 398 North Spring Street in Crestview. read more School Bus Aide Charged with Child Abuse Jan 25, 2023 17 arrested in drug sweep. 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. Deputies say the pair had items such as uncapped hypodermic needles and bags with meth residue within reach of two small children at the home. We are honored to serve and protect. Deputies also found two small children living in the home with drug paraphernalia within their reach. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The prosecutions were the result of a large-scale multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office during a two-year investigation. Law enforcement executed two search warrants in February 2018 where they found 3,582 grams of cocaine with a street value of nearly $900,000, 770 grams of fentanyl street valued at $6 million, 1,119 grams of cocaine with a street value of $100,000, seven grams of crack street valued at $500 and 45 grams of MDMA with a street value of $15,000. "We're fundamentally aware that we're dealing with people, in a lot of cases, the end-users who are addicts," Adkinson said. Website design and hosting by Creative Web Solutions, Donation Information for Fallen OCSO Corporal Ray Hamiltons Family, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Information, Citizens Safety and Protection Task Force, South Carolina Man Charged with Human Trafficking, Thirteen Year Old Tourist Drowns in Gulf Waters, Illinois Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following Okaloosa Island Swimming Pool Incident, OCSO Makes Arrest in 1999 Sexual Battery Case, Fugitives Getaway Attempt in Car & on Foot Fails, K9 Team Tracks Holt Man with Felony Warrants, OCSO Charged Man with Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old. The investigation began in March 2021 and focused on suspectsDeshawn Brown, Pablo Burgos-Lozada, Aubry Campbell, Jefferey Williamson, and others whom authorities said were involved in the purchase and sale of large amounts of cocaine. WALTON COUNTY, Fla More than 3,000 grams of cocaine is seized during a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa Counties resulting in the arrest of 21 people. For more information about the United States Attorneys Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. The agency has made 564 drug arrests in 2021, and typically ends each year with about 1,000 arrests. Another nine individuals face charges ranging from possession of a controlled substance to illegal use of a two way communication device to facilitate a felony. The DEA Denver Front Range Task Force initially identified a Chinese money laundering organization they say was selling black market marijuana to fund criminal activities. The head of the local operation, 33-year old Kevin Powell Jr., is charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, and more. Families are torn apart because parents can't parent while high. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of the lethal drug to kill more than. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office was assisted by DINT, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), the Douglas County Water Master and the Douglas County Public Works Department. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Crestview man, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a residence on Wingard Street in Crestview. The street value of the marijuana located is estimated to be to $50,000,000. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Law enforcement became aware of the operation on tips from concerned citizens. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were convicted and have been sentenced to the following prison terms in federal court: This multi-year investigation and the resulting sentences demonstrate our law enforcement partners tireless efforts and commitment to public safety, stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were convicted and have been sentenced to the following in federal court: Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "This is not a game. All rights reserved. The suspected illegal substances were each individually tested and yielded positive results for heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, according to the report. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. Other major players in the drug trafficking operation are: 45-year old Anthony Porter of Mary Esther, 29-year old Gill McGee of Crestview, 40-year old Keithen Brown of Crestview, 33-year old Aaron Johnson of Fort Walton Beach, and 33-year old Jamaal Hunt of Fort Walton Beach. Follow us on Twitter | @NDFLnews, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html, Download Press Release: Songbird Smackdown_.pdf. In total, 25 are facing charges in connection to Operation Hans Gruber including four federal arrests and 21 state of Florida arrests. Testing conducted on the marijuana throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Operation Hans Gruber began in March of 2021 investigating the drug trafficking activities of Deshawn Brown, Pablo Burgos-Lozada, Aubry Campbell, Jefferey Williamson, and co-conspirators involved in the purchase and sale of large amounts of cocaine. On January 28th, Okaloosa County officials issued a narcotics search warrant. Proudly made and managed in America by CYSY. Still bad but much better.". Other crime news:Former Shalimar tennis coach accused of sexual activity with minor in 2007 arrested. Law enforcement is calling the bust the biggest in county history and say millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs are now off the streets. by Megan Butler & Erin Christy, KTUL Staff. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. More:Three arrested and more than a pound of meth seized in DeFuniak Springs drug bust. More than 3,000 grams of cocaine were seized and 21 people arrested as part of a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa counties. Seven arrested in Okaloosa County drug bust. According to a press release, Niceville police investigated a home for two The Okaloosa County Sheriff's. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They say the kids were also sleeping on dirty clothes that had cockroaches crawling in them. Twenty-five of those resulting in death attributed to heroin and fentanyl. ", "Operation PayDirt" results in largest drug bust in Okaloosa County history. If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the application and selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance. That's all related to heroin, fentanyl, and [the] opioid crisis that we face, the state faces and the country faces," Sheriff Ashley said. These prosecutions are all part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. 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NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) Percy Jermaine Williams, 44, was arrested Wednesday for drug possession and intent to sell. At the McDonald Street address investigators seized a kilogram of cocaine worth an estimated $100,000, heroin, and two loaded handguns. Just a week before the bust, two more overdoses were reported on the property. We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Florida with excellence and integrity. "I'm here to tell you that they hit a big hit," Sheriff Ashley said, "A matter of fact, for 2018, since February, our overdoses of heroin have dropped dramatically and it's because of this single effort.". 21 arrested after yearlong drug trafficking investigation in Walton, Okaloosa Northwest Florida Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK 0:00 1:26 More than 3,000 grams of cocaine were seized and 21 people. There were no hemp plants located anywhere on the property. Northern District of Florida Other charges include resisting without violence, keeping a public nuisance structure for drug activity, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. A multi-agency drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of 15 people in Okaloosa County. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. The search warrant was executed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Multi-Agency Drug Task Force. All 6 adults were taken into custody for various charges. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal balcony fall that took place at a Destin condominium early this morning. A new day of the judicial system is got to end, our laws have got to change. Over $180,000 in drug proceeds, eight vehicles, five firearms, and over 1300 rounds of ammunition were seized and forfeited to the government. These cases resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Crestview Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and Walton County Sheriffs Office. Charges for the six adults and one minor include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. "The individuals that have been charged with trafficking, at this time they face a potential of 30 years in state prison," Bill Bishop with the State Attorney's Office said. On October 26th and 27th 2022, Federal and State law enforcement arrested 12 suspects charged during the investigation. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and heroin have been an issue in the county for. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Six people were arrested in a drug bust Tuesday at a Niceville home. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was assisted by DINT, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), the Douglas County Water Master and the Douglas County Public Works Department. "Men, women, and children are enslaved to addiction and die from overdoses. Simmons was arrested on multiple felonies including trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in heroin, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Published: Oct. 9, 2020 at 4:43 PM CDT The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach man with sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, as well as the DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, and Crestview Police Department all participated in the operation. Rights Reserved the timber are often compact, practical and easy to move Organized... 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