Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. Deputies located multiple vehicles, tents and two RVs concealed under green houses and in the timber. Now, after a 10-month investigation, officials said they believe they've made a considerable dent in the sale and use of opioids. 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. The search of the home turned up used syringes, methamphetamine, fentanyl and more. 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. Calling it the largest seizure of heroin and fentanyl in Okaloosa Countys history, the Okaloosa County Sheriffs 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. Author. Simmons reportedly told deputies he had been living at the residence for about a year and everything in the residence belonged to him. Deputies said two kids were sleeping in the home near uncapped needles and drugs. Northern District of Florida NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) Percy Jermaine Williams, 44, was arrested Wednesday for drug possession and intent to sell. 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. It will depend on their amount of drugs that can be associated with each individual.". Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted these cases. Other charges include resisting without violence, keeping a public nuisance structure for drug activity, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Law enforcement is calling the bust the biggest in county history and say millions of dollars. The Lake Street search warrant turned up 3.5 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value of more than a million dollars. Overcrowded emergency rooms are full of patients related to addition, withdrawal, and numerous health complications. The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit arrived at the home at 1481 Pine Street on June 28th and took several subjects into custody. A traffic stop was attempted around 11:30 Tuesday A Holt resident wanted on charges of aggravated assault, firing missiles into an occupied conveyance, and discharging a firearm in public tried to run from an attempted warrant service today but was ultimately captured. 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 is not a game. You're dead," Sheriff Ashley pointed out. Copyright 2023 Walton County Sheriff's Office. Still bad but much better.". The OCSO was assisted by the State Attorneys Office, DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. Required fields are marked *. 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. The unfortunate part about this whole thing is, where does it end?" The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal balcony fall that took place at a Destin condominium early this morning. "If you want to move to Oklahoma to set up a grow operation in Oklahoma, that's fine, let's do it, but let's do it properly," Sheriff Turner said. Joe Milonas were working enforcement on Interstate 10 around 9:30 this morning when a stop was conducted for a traffic offense involving 47-year old Carolyn Satterfield of Crestview. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal He said, so far, no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name. If you have concerns about a possible illegal marijuana operation in your community, contact the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team at (541) 440-4474. 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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. The investigation began in August 2017 and led to the execution of two search warrants in February 2018 at 118 Lake Street and 698 McDonald Street in Crestview. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and heroin have been an issue in the county for. ", "Operation PayDirt" results in largest drug bust in Okaloosa County history. NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office said 6 people face drug charges after deputies executed a narcotics search warrant Tuesday, June 28. OCSO deputies arrested A Crestview woman with outstanding warrants in both Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County slammed a door on deputies this morning when they went to serve those warrants at a home on Sugartown Road. The task force, which includes the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Deputies also found two small children living in the home with drug paraphernalia within their reach. Following the search, seven individuals were arrested at a Crestview home. Okaloosa Co. deputies find fentanyl, cocaine inside toilet during raid OCSO deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl inside the home. According to a press release, Niceville police investigated a home for two Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. Deputies partnered with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement . 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 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. Additional charges and/or arrests may be forthcoming as a result of this investigation. 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. Just a week before the bust, two more overdoses were reported on the property. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. Deputies partnered with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration in McAlester, and DEA Denver to execute multiple search and arrest warrants in Colorado and Haskell County. The water pumps are required to be metered, but were not. As a result of what was found at the home, 51-year old William "Tat" Beatty is charged with keeping a public nuisance . These operations are being financed and ran by organized crime enterprises. 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. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. OCSO said the house was associated with drug overdoses and distribution. 17 arrested in drug sweep. We have laws for a reason and it's to protect our citizens, even if it's from themselves.". A new day of the judicial system is got to end, our laws have got to change. "They had another, third party person, license their grow for them," said Sheriff Tim Turner, Haskell County. 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. OCSO deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl inside the home. 52-year-old Harriet Hall and 43-year-old Dewayne Shelton, both of that address, are charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 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. The Haskell County Sheriff's Office arrested two people on Wednesday in connection to a drug trafficking investigation. But the root issue, and the people I have zero sympathy for, are the people that profit off the death and suffering of others, and those are the individuals you see listed out before you.". They say the kids were also sleeping on dirty clothes that had cockroaches crawling in them. "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. The head of the local operation, 33-year old Kevin Powell Jr., is charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, and more. UCC Theatre Program presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Vintage Singers Spring Concert at UCC, DINT Arrests two persons following investigation into alleged trafficking organization, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Teamarrest two individuals for alleged heroin and meth possession, Human remains positively identified, Major Crimes Team investigating, Local Conservation Organizations and the US Forest Service at odds over Danger Trees affected by the Archie Creek Fire, Skyline Ridge Complex fire 100% contained, Jack Fire has burned 23k acres, 63% contained, Officer involved shooting injures man officers say was a threat to parents. More:Three arrested and more than a pound of meth seized in DeFuniak Springs drug bust. All 6 adults were taken into custody for. 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. (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. 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. If you have concerns about a possible illegal marijuana operation in your community, contact the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team at (541) 440-4474. Charges for the six adults and one minor include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. 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. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Seven people face jail time following a major narcotics bust in Okaloosa County. Meantime 33-year-old Brittney Robertson and 37-year-old Michael Spears of 1481 Pine Street are both charged with child neglect and possession of drug paraphernalia. read more School Bus Aide Charged with Child Abuse Jan 25, 2023 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. 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 of marijuana from a Fort Walton Beach apartment Thursday. 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. There were no hemp plants located anywhere on the property. 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. Aaron Simmons, 33, and Teddy Lanieux, 34, both of Fort Walton Beach, are. (850) 216-3845 On Wednesday and Thursday, federal and stateofficers arrested 12 suspects. 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. Due to the sheer size of the illegal operation, law enforcement spent two days conducting eradication and destruction of the marijuana plants. Other major players in the drug . PENSACOLA, Fla. ( WKRG) A man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. 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. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were convicted and have been sentenced to the following in federal court: 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. The search warrant was executed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Multi-Agency Drug Task Force. "Men, women, and children are enslaved to addiction and die from overdoses. 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