Florida joint task force takes down two drug houses in Sebastian and Roseland

On October 5, Florida’s Indian River County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had joined forces with Sebastian Police detectives, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), to take down two well-armed South Florida drug houses.  The Sebastian Police Department with assistance from Vero Beach Police and Indian River Shores SWAT executed a search warrant at 561 Citrus Avenue in Sebastian. Indian River County Sheriff’s Office SWAT simultaneously served a search warrant at 8925 133rd Place in Roseland.

During the search of 8925 133rd Place, Indian River County Sheriff’s Detectives located and seized 12 laptops and computer hard drives, 50.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 30 grams of heroin/fentanyl capsules, 3 grams of black tar heroin, 2 rifles, 2 shotguns, and 2 handguns. Additionally, detectives located drug scales and pipes along with a stolen Honda motorcycle which was returned to the owner.

A false wall and hidden room were found in a storage shed on the property, which was being used as a narcotics storage area.

During the search of 561 Citrus Avenue, Sebastian Police Detectives located and seized a 2003 BMW Sports Utility Vehicle, 48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 2 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 0.5 gram of cocaine, 7 ecstasy pills, 30 narcotic prescription pills, a manual pill press, drug scales, multiple electronic devices, over $1000 in US currency, counterfeit currency and narcotic smoking equipment.

The following suspects were arrested as part of this investigation:

• Kristopher Flynn, 39, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, four counts of sale of methamphetamine, and three counts of possession of methamphetamine;
• Shea Griggs, 29, charged with trafficking, sale, and possession of methamphetamine;
• Ian Whiteman, 41, charged with sale of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
• James Whitaker, 49, charged with trafficking amphetamines, possession of methamphetamine, habitual driving offender, with pending warrants for three counts of possession of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
• Ashley Hodges, 37, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Additional charges are anticipated pending the review and processing of evidence.

Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar stated, “We are proud of the teamwork on this investigation. With the help from our partner agencies, we were all able to take dangerous drug peddlers off the streets. Methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl are deadly drugs, and we are happy to have these offenders behind bars where they belong. Thanks to all those who participated in making this a successful joint investigation.”

Police Chief Michelle Morris stated, “I would like to thank our local and Federal agencies who assisted with this investigation and the safe execution of the search and arrest warrants. The Sebastian Police Department and our partner agencies will continue to ensure the safety of our community and its citizens.”

(Source: Indian River County Sheriff’s Office)

~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter