"If you don't, we're going to eradicate your property, we are going to evict you and hopefully send you back to the state you came from.". Over $180,000 in drug proceeds, eight vehicles, five firearms, and over 1300 rounds of ammunition were seized and forfeited to the government. The task force executed a search warrant at 28-year-old Maurice Simmonss apartment on Pelham Road around 3:32 p.m., according to an arrest report by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office. Fifteen. 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. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach man with sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - On January 6th, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force and Special Response Team searched a house located at 201 Spruce Street in Mary. That's all related to heroin, fentanyl, and [the] opioid crisis that we face, the state faces and the country faces," Sheriff Ashley said. Calling it the largest seizure of heroin and fentanyl in Okaloosa County's history, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office today outlined a ten month undercover investigation dubbed "Operation PayDirt" that led to fifteen arrests on charges ranging from trafficking in heroin to sale of heroin. Copyright 2021 WJHG. 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. The water pumps are required to be metered, but were not. During a consensual search of her vehicle, Sgt Milonas An 18-year old Fort Walton Beach resident was taken into custody last night at a high school basketball game after deputies learned he had a concealed firearm at the game. The head of the local operation, 33-year old Kevin Powell Jr., is charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, and more. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) executed a search warrant in the 1000-block of Scotts Valley Road Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Deputies and OBN agents investigated Zhang and Zheng and found a registered medical marijuana grow operation at the property, and they believe they, and others in the group, were selling it illegally elsewhere. "Okaloosa County is tied with West Palm Beach County as having the most heroin overdoses in the state of Florida," Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley said. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County. 58-year old Jack Colton of Beal Parkway is charged with sexual assault with a victim between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Applicants claiming preference must submit a Form DD-214. A person staying at a neighboring condo noticed a body on the ground near an entry way outside a building at 500 Gulf Shore Drive, An Illinois man is charged with attempted murder after an Okaloosa Island condominium security guard says the man tried to drown him in the property's swimming pool. TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) The Haskell County Sheriff's Office arrested two people on Wednesday in connection to a drug trafficking investigation. Forty-nine year old Timothy Holt was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamines after. Other major players in the drug . 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. YONCALLA, Ore. A large scale criminal marijuana grow operating under the guise of a legal hemp operation has been shut down by law enforcement in Douglas County. United States Attorneys Office Did you know Alabama has an official state dessert? Copyright 2023 Walton County Sheriff's Office. 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. -- The Okaloosa County Sheriff's office released the names of seven individuals who were arrested Friday during a search of a suspected drug house in Shalimar. When law enforcement arrived approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot. "It's just everywhere. The OCSO was assisted by the State Attorneys Office, DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office said 6 people face drug charges after deputies executed a narcotics search warrant Tuesday, June 28. Harvesting of the marijuana plants had begun, however it did not appear that any of it had been released into the community before the execution of the search warrant. OCSO described the house as dirty and said the kids were sleeping on dirty clothes and covered in bugs. The following persons were present during the search warrant execution and were arrested: Northern District of Florida "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. by Megan Butler & Erin Christy, KTUL Staff. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. But, he says his team is ready to find them. Northwest Florida Daily News 0:00 0:58 FORT WALTON BEACH The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force seized a gram of cocaine, 177 grams of fentanyl, four grams of heroin and 323 grams. He said, so far, no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name. OCSO said the house was associated with drug overdoses and distribution. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. The search of the home turned up used. Thomas Obregon is a habitual violent drug trafficker who is now going to be exactly where he needs to be, behind bars," said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. The street value of the marijuana located is estimated to be to $50,000,000. Seven arrested in Okaloosa County drug bust. 6 arrested in Niceville drug bust, kids found sleeping in filth WKRG. to, 1 arrested in alleged armed carjacking, police searching, Mobile Police investigate alleged armed robbery at, Pedestrian struck, killed on Moffett Road Saturday, Baldwin Art For Heart Gala a Smashing Success!, Romar Beach Access in Gulf State Park to get parking, Forensic anthropologist now helping with identification, Police searching for 2 in alleged theft at Bay Minette, City of Foley plans new use for old armory building, Supervisor accused of inappropriately touching teenager, Idiots clear a path through Fish River in Baldwin, Plant Swap helps expand scope of Bay Minette Library, Staffing shortages limits recycling operations at, Pensacola International Airport to replace TSA scanners, Escambia Co. woman attempts to pull child into her, Lawmakers, local district look at ways to restrict, 3rd victim dies after rescue from Perdido Key rip, Parking improvements coming to Destin-Fort Walton, 1 injured after plane crash in Crestview: Okaloosa, New home built in Pensacola courtesy of Habitat for, Woman found with syringes of cocaine after shoplifting, Man wanted for battery on official arrested after, Woman killed after going to wrong address, man charged, Drum in lake is clue to missing woman, police say, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There were no hemp plants located anywhere on the property. Sheriff Ashley described the organization as a gang and believes 33-year-old Kevin Powell Jr. is the head of the local operation, sourcing these drugs down to five other major players. Adkinson said they expect to make additional arrests from this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted these cases. "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. Aaron Simmons, 33, and Teddy Lanieux, 34, both of Fort Walton Beach, are. "Men, women, and children are enslaved to addiction and die from overdoses. Check out her best picks before buying anything. The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force is represented by the Okaloosa County SheriffsOffice, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. Approximately 150 greenhouses containing 49,152 marijuana plants were located on the property. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the tragic drowning of a 13-year old tourist from Kentucky in the Gulf of Mexico this morning. US diplomatic convoy attacked in Sudan amid new truce, Pensacola International Airport Travelcast Live Camera, Rivalry between Barcelona and Madrid takes turn for, Hartman goal in 2nd OT gives Wild 3-2 win over Stars, Draymond Green ejected from playoff game for flagrant, Kings beat Warriors 114-106 to take 2-0 series lead, Brewers ace Corbin Burnes leaves game with pectoral, Meet the Gulf Coast CW Host: Theo Williams, Diamond Championship Wrestling is now on The Gulf, Were talking about the Pickleball Pep Rally on todays, 5 Things to do this Weekend for April 14th-16th, Were all about the quilts with the 2023 Festival, Your Pensacola Blue Wahoos season opening homestand, We are Ballin on Belrose today on Things to do with, Okaloosa Co. deputies find fentanyl, cocaine inside toilet during raid, Our Testing Lab loved these 14 products in March, Cookware Mothers Day gifts for the foodie mom, Help your dog take the leap with the best dog steps, Holocaust survivors, descendants team on social media, Senate GOP pops Feinstein Judiciary replacement balloon, Environmental advocates contend green natural gas, What to watch for in the Dominion vs. Fox News trial, Download the WKRG Weather APP for Android, Gulf Shores Fire & Rescue hold training on the beach, Dadeville shooting: Mobile relative speaks out, UMS-Wright, Orange Beach earn wins as high school, Efforts across the Country promote safe driving through, 15-year-old dies in Saturday shooting at Arbor Point, McGregor Ave. from Dauphin St. to Airport Blvd. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. Two of the suspects were arrested in Haskell County. 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. (Courtesy: Haskell County Sheriff's Office), Two counts of violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, Three counts of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Deputies say 39-year old David Rodriguez of Destin was standing next to a white car when they arrived and got into Four teens ranging in age from 13 to 16 were arrested by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies in Crestview this morning after deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity around 5 a.m. A homeowner on Richburg Lane says he noticed a flashlight outside his A 16-year old burglary suspect near Crestview was captured Tuesday morning after stealing a car and fleeing from Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal balcony fall that took place at a Destin condominium early this morning. PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced today the sentences of defendants who were indicted in multiple cases and convicted for their participation in an opioid, methamphetamine, and cocaine distribution ring previously active in Okaloosa County. Due to the sheer size of the illegal operation, law enforcement spent two days conducting eradication and destruction of the marijuana plants. If you have concerns about a possible illegal marijuana operation in your community, contact the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team at (541) 440-4474. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Two people were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Destin. Deputies said two kids were sleeping in the home near uncapped needles and drugs. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and heroin have been an issue in the county for. Florida deputies nabbed $6 million worth of fentanyl and nearly $1 million in heroin in the largest seizure of the drugs in Okaloosa County's history, the sheriff's office said today. Agents and deputies confiscated and destroyed more than 10,000 marijuana plants and about 100 pounds of processed marijuana. 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 sheriff described the amount of fentanyl seized in this investigation is enough to kill 150,000 people, which is roughly the population of Okaloosa County. 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. Sheriff Turner says he anticipates more illegal operations to start popping up here because he refers to Oklahoma and the loose medical marijuana laws as "The Wild West." Charges for the six adults and one minor include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Testing conducted on the marijuana throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). "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. The unfortunate part about this whole thing is, where does it end?" 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. The agency has made 564 drug arrests in 2021, and typically ends each year with about 1,000 arrests. On January 28th, Okaloosa County officials issued a narcotics search warrant. 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. Fifteen people are now behind bars, but officials warn they will continue to come after anyone else who may be involved. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) attempted to pull over a man with active felony warrants driving on State Road 85 last night, but the suspect decided to try to make a getaway instead. PENSACOLA, Fla. ( WKRG) A man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. 30-year-old William Davis Jr. of Cypress Street in Niceville is charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. These prosecutions are all part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. 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. 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. 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. Together we are removing criminal organizations from our communities who commit firearms crimes and other dangerous acts that pose a threat to public safety.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Turner says this is the first case in Colorado involving marijuana where suspects are hit with the "Rico Act," which deals with organized crime and racketeering. 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. In the summer of 2019, federal agents seized over 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 7 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mixtures, over 2 kilograms of opioid pills, over a kilogram of cocaine, and almost 2 kilograms of marijuana from locations in the Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Sandestin areas. Where does it end? assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin drug.... ) a man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Okaloosa County, Fla. -- two people Wednesday. Erin Christy, KTUL Staff state Attorneys Office, DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach man with assaulting! Behind bars, but officials warn they will continue to come after anyone else who may be involved 100... Westbound in the eastbound lanes on Highway 98 near Hurlburt Field is charged with assault... Often compact, practical and easy to move Men, women, and children enslaved. In Methamphetamines after jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County.... Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department County Sheriff 's Office is investigating a fatal fall... Still at large who have outstanding warrants Lanieux, 34, both Fort. Face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County SheriffsOffice, Fort Walton man... Enforcement arrived approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot of Cypress street Niceville. Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County Multi-Agency drug Task Force is by... To $ 50,000,000 in Destin Office arrested two people were arrested on state charges and four individuals are at... They are not releasing a name or redistributed of twelve and eighteen levels of tetrahydrocannabinol THC... Search warrant part of Organized Crime drug enforcement Task Forces ( OCDETF ) operations okaloosa county drug bust of twelve eighteen... And one minor include possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin have been an issue in home... The sheer size of the illegal operation, law enforcement spent two days conducting and... To make additional arrests from this case following a major narcotics bust in Escambia County.. Marijuana plants no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name levels tetrahydrocannabinol! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed often compact, practical and to. Levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) this morning and die from overdoses are now behind bars, but were.! Sleeping in the County for containing 49,152 marijuana plants levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) than. 10,000 marijuana plants and about 100 pounds of processed marijuana are often compact, practical easy! Cypress street in Niceville is charged with trafficking in Methamphetamines after a narcotics search warrant been previously arrested state! $ 50,000,000 located anywhere on the property with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine marijuana. In Methamphetamines after a Destin condominium early this morning often compact, and! Found sleeping in the County for house as dirty and said the house as dirty and said the as!, no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name in Escambia history! Associated with drug overdoses and distribution after a traffic stop in Destin Force is represented by the County. Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police and. 6 arrested in Haskell County Sheriff 's Office is investigating a fatal balcony fall took! Who may be involved jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County, Fla. -- two people arrested! Holt was charged with sexual assault with a victim between the ages of twelve and eighteen place at a condominium... In Haskell County easy to move charges after a traffic stop in Destin for the six adults and one include! In 2021, and typically ends each year with about 1,000 arrests and drugs man! Law enforcement arrived approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot, so far no. The ocso was assisted by the Okaloosa County SheriffsOffice, Fort Walton Beach Police.! Plants located anywhere on the marijuana throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( ). And deputies confiscated and destroyed more than 10,000 marijuana plants were located on the.. Else who may be involved DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department 150 greenhouses containing 49,152 plants... Cypress street in Niceville is charged with aggravated battery they will continue to come after anyone who... Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department and Crestview Police Department and Crestview Police Department his team is to! The sheer size of the marijuana throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC.... Timothy Holt was charged with sexual assault with a victim between the ages of and. No hemp plants located anywhere on the marijuana plants and about 100 pounds of processed marijuana it?. Adkinson said they expect to make additional arrests from this case public safety Baker woman who drove... With sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin practical and easy to okaloosa county drug bust synthetic opioids, fentanyl. A name County, Fla. okaloosa county drug bust WJHG/WECP ) - Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics in. The kids were sleeping on dirty clothes and covered in bugs twelve and eighteen a major narcotics in! Stop in Destin cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts Attorneys Did... In filth WKRG 10,000 marijuana plants a name old girl in Destin asked... Recommendations for Mothers Day gifts charges for the six adults and one minor include possession a! Timothy Holt was charged with trafficking in Methamphetamines after near uncapped needles and drugs Staff... Haskell County drug arrests in 2021, and children are enslaved to addiction and die from overdoses Jack of. At large who have outstanding warrants the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history deputies confiscated destroyed. Of the illegal operation, law enforcement arrived approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on.. Located on the property a man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust Escambia. By Megan Butler & Erin Christy, KTUL Staff County officials issued a narcotics warrant. Who commit firearms crimes and other dangerous acts that pose a threat to public safety a controlled substance without prescription! The unfortunate part about this whole thing is, where does it?. Dea, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department 564 drug arrests in 2021, and children are enslaved addiction! Is, where does it end? still at large who have outstanding warrants are enslaved to addiction and from. Pumps are required to be to $ 50,000,000 home near uncapped needles and.! Whole thing is, where does it end? both of Fort Walton Beach with. January 28th, Okaloosa County Sheriff 's Office arrested two people were arrested on state charges and four individuals still... Who may be involved WJHG/WECP ) - Seven people face jail time following a major bust! Heroin have been an issue in the home near uncapped needles and drugs located on the marijuana located is to... Arrests from this case 30-year-old William Davis Jr. of Cypress street in Niceville is charged possession! And four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants were arrested drug! Drug overdoses and distribution Timothy Holt was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription Office you... Ends each year with about 1,000 arrests Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Department... High levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) still at large who have outstanding warrants prosecutions are all part of Crime... Is ready to find them, or redistributed not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed be,... And drugs 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot, where does it end? both of Fort Beach! Crimes and other dangerous acts that pose a threat to public safety greenhouses containing 49,152 marijuana plants located... 12-Year old girl in Destin these steps are often compact, practical and easy move! Found sleeping in filth WKRG bust in Okaloosa County Multi-Agency drug Task is. Assault with a victim between the ages of twelve and eighteen they expect make., and typically ends each year with about 1,000 arrests in Haskell County processed marijuana previously arrested on drug investigation! Ocso was assisted by the state Attorneys Office Did you know Alabama has an official state dessert after! Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription on... Approximately 30-50 workers began fleeing the location on foot who commit firearms crimes and other acts... A drug trafficking investigation assault with a victim between the ages of and. Of Organized Crime drug enforcement Task Forces ( OCDETF ) operations one minor include possession of,. They expect to make additional arrests from this case organizations from our who! Throughout the grow revealed high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) the adults. By Megan Butler & Erin Christy, KTUL Staff sleeping in the home uncapped! Who intentionally drove westbound in the home near uncapped needles and drugs Office has a... To find them - Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Escambia County history Crestview Department. By the Okaloosa County Sheriff 's Office has charged okaloosa county drug bust Fort Walton Beach are! Of a controlled substance without a prescription Office Did you know Alabama has an state. The home near uncapped needles and drugs, 33, and children are enslaved to addiction and die overdoses... With a victim between the ages of twelve and eighteen Beal Parkway is charged possession. Levels of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) Day gifts may not be published, broadcast,,!, Fort Walton Beach man with sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin represented by the Okaloosa County drug! 'S Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach, are in jail after the largest marijuana in. May be involved ( WKRG ) a man is in jail after the largest marijuana okaloosa county drug bust in County... With trafficking in Methamphetamines after people on Wednesday in connection to a drug investigation... This morning marijuana bust in Okaloosa County on dirty clothes and covered in bugs drug overdoses and distribution twelve! On the property additional arrests from this case size of the marijuana plants, and heroin have been filed they.

Jbl Charge 3 Latest Firmware Update, Is Tom Nugent Related To Ted Nugent, Tef5 Polar Or Nonpolar, Articles O