{"id":19541,"date":"2022-01-27T10:49:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T15:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=19541"},"modified":"2022-01-27T10:50:17","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T15:50:17","slug":"swipe-left-for-meth-pcso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2022\/01\/27\/swipe-left-for-meth-pcso\/","title":{"rendered":"Swipe Left For Meth — PCSO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Following a 6-month-long undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff\u2019s Office undercover Narcotics detectives made 60 arrests throughout Polk County and obtained eight (8) arrest warrants related to the sale and\/or possession of illegal narcotics. The drug sales transactions all took place on three different social media and dating mobile apps: Grindr, Scruff, and Taimi. Grindr was the app with more drug sales than the other apps mentioned.

The investigation began in July 2021 when PCSO received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip indicating that people were openly selling drugs on the well-known dating app Grindr. PCSO detectives created undercover profiles within the app, and found it relatively easy to strike up conversations with those who were selling methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Fentanyl, and marijuana in Polk County. It was clear during the conversations and ensuing undercover drug buys that the suspects\u2019 primary purposes for being on the dating app were to sell drugs \u2013 not to find a date.

\u201cWe\u2019ve known for some time that suspects will use the Internet and social media to prey upon children online, or to engage in prostitution, but this is something we are seeing more and more of in Polk County \u2013 suspects who are using dating apps to sell illegal narcotics. Suspects are getting more creative, but so are our detectives. We\u2019re working with these mobile app companies to raise awareness, and asking for their cooperation during our investigations. The good news is, we found that some who were on the dating app were reporting illegal drug sales when it became apparent to them, and the mobile app companies were banning some suspects attempting to sell drugs. When we find drug dealers, we put them in jail.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Grady Judd, Sheriff<\/strong>

Detectives filed 159 total felony and 72 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation. Altogether, the suspects have 908 previous charges, including 453 prior felonies and 455 prior misdemeanors. Eleven (11) of the suspects told detectives they receive government assistance.

Detectives will continue to monitor social media and dating apps for illegal drug transactions. We encourage the public to send us specific tip information about online drug sellers through Heartland Crime Stoppers at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward. 
Based on the online drug sales, detectives obtained 52 arrests warrants for those who actually sold illegal narcotics. During the investigation they arrested 16 other suspects related to illegal narcotics. There are still eight suspects with warrants who are at-large. Detectives also served three search warrants at the following addresses:

\u2022 152 Abundant Life Drive, Auburndale
\u2022 1550 Robin Street, Auburndale
\u2022 2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven

During the investigation:
\u2022 14 firearms seized (2 were reported as stolen)
\u2022 Approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine purchased (street value: approximately $14,000)
\u2022 Approximately 3 grams of cocaine purchased 
\u2022 Approximately 113 grams (130 pills) of Ecstasy 
\u2022 Approximately 1.5 grams of Fentanyl\/heroin 
\u2022 Approximately 1 gram of LSD
\u2022 Approximately 28 grams of psychedelic mushrooms
\u2022 Approximately 645 grams of marijuana 

Those arrested are as follows (in alphabetical order by first name):<\/strong>

Abraham Hope, DOB 06\/25\/1994 of Davenport
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Adam Cooper*, DOB 03\/30\/1977 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Allen Tyson*, DOB 03\/21\/64 of Bartow
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Angela Miller-Jordan, DOB 04\/30\/1966 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Anthony Ballard, DOB 03\/08\/1975 of Auburndale
\u2022 Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)
\u2022 Sale of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F2)
\u2022 Grand theft of a firearm (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Camilo Jaramillo, DOB 12\/01\/1994 of Haines City
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Chloe Vandendriessche, DOB 02\/13\/1995 of Auburndale
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Possession of weapon\/ammo by convicted felon (F2)
\u2022 Violation of injunction for protection (M1)

Christina Earp, DOB 04\/09\/1985 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Christopher R. Baker, DOB 05\/24\/1987 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Battery domestic violence (3 counts)

Daniel Zahony, DOB 11\/12\/1985 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Conveyance burglary (F2)
\u2022 Petit theft (M2)

Danyell Coggins, DOB 01\/14\/1975 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

David Caines*, DOB 12\/04\/1975 of Mulberry
\u2022 Trafficking in meth (F1)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of structure or vehicle for drug sales (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana (M1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Dawanda Gunter, DOB 08\/02\/1997 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Donald King, DOB 08\/22\/1982 of Lakeland
\u2022 Possession and delivery of LSD WITS (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

Donald Taft, DOB 06\/30\/70 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Doug Billings, DOB 01\/25\/1968 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Resisting arrest (M1)

Frederick Bollard, DOB 09\/11\/1984 of Bartow
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

Gator Kleizo, DOB 01\/22\/1966 of Auburndale
\u2022 Trafficking in meth (F1)
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Jack Bohannon*, DOB 04\/16\/1953 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Jacob Cogswell, DOB 09\/12\/1987 of Bartow
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

James Deese, DOB 10\/06\/1955 of Auburndale
\u2022 Trafficking in meth (F1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Jaime Acevedo, DOB 11\/09\/1986 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Jarvis Tibado, DOB 10\/11\/1982 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Giving false ID to LEO (M1)

Jessalyn Humbertson*, DOB 8\/24\/99 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*she told detectives she receives government assistance

Jim Luna, DOB 03\/14\/1962 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Jireh Brooks, DOB 04\/13\/1996 of Lakeland 
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Conspiracy to sell meth (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

John Davis, DOB 07\/12\/1981 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Trafficking in MDMA (F1)
\u2022 Possession of heroin (F3)
\u2022 Possession of cocaine (F3)
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
\u2022 Possession paraphernalia (M1)

John Panzarella*, DOB 08\/30\/58 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Delivery of marijuana (F3)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Jonus Banks, DOB 12\/28\/1980 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of cocaine (F2)
\u2022 Possession of cocaine WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Keone Fox, DOB 11\/24\/1986 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Maegan McCarthy, DOB 07\/14\/1984 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Trafficking in MDMA (F1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Mar\u2019dasia Brooks, DOB 05\/23\/1998 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Mark Cox*, DOB 01\/14\/1981 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Mark Scott, DOB 09\/15\/1963 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Mary Heffler, DOB 05\/17\/1972 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Michael Blankenship*, DOB 04\/08\/1956 of Lakeland
\u2022 Possession of marijuana (M1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*an affidavit was filed with these charges

Michael Decker, DOB 08\/13\/1966 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Resisting arrest (M1)

Michael Sonja, DOB 08\/06\/1975 of Bartow
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Minter Hall*, DOB 07\/12\/1955 of Bartow
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Nicholas Sferrvzza, DOB 06\/07\/83 of Auburndale
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Noel Heyne, DOB 10\/13\/1972 of Lakeland (in custody)
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Phillip Carter, DOB 09\/24\/1965 of Winter Haven 
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Reynaldo Lopez, DOB 06\/16\/2000 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Richard Sturges, DOB 06\/07\/55 of Lakeland
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana (M1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Robert Reedy III*, DOB 09\/17\/68 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Rodney Bacon, DOB 01\/06\/80 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Rodney Davis*, DOB 05\/03\/1972 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth with intent to sell (WITS) (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Ronald Stowe, DOB 04\/09\/1958 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 VOP (F3)

Scott Ledington, DOB 12\/06\/1966 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Stacey Shepherd, DOB 11\/29\/1966 of Auburndale
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Thomas Bohuslaw*, DOB 05\/30\/1965 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
*he told detectives he receives government assistance

Timothy Machado, DOB 08\/10\/1972 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Ty’Bias Giles, DOB 08\/12\/1999 of Lakeland
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Carrying concealed firearm (F3)
\u2022 Armed robbery (Capital Felony)
\u2022 Aggravated battery with deadly weapon (F2)

Tyler Oliver, DOB 04\/10\/1998 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Wandy Noel, DOB 10\/22\/1991 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Driving while license suspended (knowingly) (M2)

William Anglin, DOB 08\/10\/1987 of Bartow
\u2022 Delivery of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

William Waddell, DOB 02\/07\/77 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for these eight (8) suspects:<\/strong>

Adam Trembley, DOB 08\/14\/1982 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2) 
\u2022 Sale of marijuana (F3)
\u2022 Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Angelo Lopez, DOB 10\/28\/1986 of Lake Wales
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Christopher Wright, DOB 04\/16\/1989 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Donovan Brandt, DOB 03\/18\/1983 of Lake Wales
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Jesse Velez-Pagan, DOB 10\/03\/1990 of Dundee
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

John Rials, DOB 12\/05\/1978 of Winter Haven
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Matthew Gamwell, DOB 07\/07\/1982 of Lake Wales
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Willy Dunn, DOB 11\/26\/1994 of Lake Wales
\u2022 Sale of meth (F2)
\u2022 Possession of meth WITS (F2)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

During the investigation, these three (3) suspects were also arrested\/charged:<\/strong>

Joshua Allen, DOB 09\/13\/1980 of Auburndale
\u2022 Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Henry Sanchez, DOB 10\/19\/1994 of Orlando
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)
\u2022 Resisting arrest (M1)
\u2022 Battery on LEO
\u2022 Giving false info to LEO

Robert Tillis, DOB 03\/09\/1973 of Mulberry
\u2022 Possession of meth (F3)
\u2022 Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)
\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia (M1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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