News and Investigations

Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives, working with the Lakeland Police Department, and the Office of the State Attorney, 10^th Judicial Circuit, Brian Haas, arrested 17 people during a three-month-long investigation into heroin trafficking, some of whom detectives are seeking a federal indictment against in heroin overdose-related deaths (see information at end of news release).

Of the 17 suspects arrested, there are 51 felony and 27 misdemeanor charges filed. Over 600 grams of heroin was seized (street value $72,000); over 5 pounds of marijuana was seized; 6 firearms were seized; $23,000 cash was seized for forfeiture; and 5 suspected heroin deaths are related to this investigation.

“There has been a disturbing rise nationwide in deaths associated with heroin and fentanyl. Our deputies are working hard to put these heroin dealers behind bars through proactive investigations. It is also our mission to hold those accountable for each and every heroin overdose death that we can link back to the sale of heroin.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

In February 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives responded to suspect heroin dealer 28-year-old Antonorio Nelson’s house, at 1124 Innwood Lane in Lakeland, and found 74 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 - .1 grams each), hydrocodone pills, MDMA (ecstasy) pills, a loaded “38 special” revolver, and a digital scale. Nelson was on house arrest for sale/manufacture of MDMA, and not scheduled to be released until May 2018. His girlfriend, 21-year-old Termarald Redding, lives in the house with him and a small child. The drugs and loaded gun were easily available for the child to access.

Detectives arrested:

·         Antonorio Nelson, DOB 12/19/1988, charged with:

o   Armed trafficking in heroin (F-L)

o   Armed trafficking in MDMA (F-L)

o   Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)

o   Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)

o   Use or display of firearm during felony (F-2)

o   Possession of MDMA (F-3)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

o   Violation of probation (orginal charge sale of MDMA) (F-2)

o   Violation of community control (M-1)

Nelson’s criminal history includes: trafficking in heroin, trafficking in meth, sale of meth, possession of meth with intent to sell, possession of MDMA with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, resisting arrest, trespassing, giving false name to LEO, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP.

·         Termarald Redding, DOB 12/9/1995, charged with:

o   Armed trafficking in heroin (F-L)

o   Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)

o   Use or display of firearm during felony (F-2)

o   Possession of MDMA (F-3)

o   Possession of marijuana (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

In March 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives responded to suspected heroin dealer 26-year-old Trenard Butler’s house, at 218 Fox Drive in Lakeland, and observed Butler leaving the house with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Brittany McCormick. Butler had four active Polk County warrants for his arrest at the time. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle they were in, and observed 4.9 grams of Heroin sitting in plain view on the center console. During a search of the residence, detectives found 20 MDMA (ecstasy) pills, marijuana, and paraphernalia (scale, Ziploc baggies, glass pipe). The following people were arrested at this house:

·         Trenard Butler, DOB 5/31/1990, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin over 4 grams (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle to traffic drugs (F-2)

o   Possession with intent to sell MDMA (F-2)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia WARRANT (M-1)

o   Possession of heroin with intent to sell WARRANT (F-2)

o   Child abuse WARRANT(F-1)

o   Failure to appear WARRANT (original charge – domestic violence) (F-3)

Butler’s criminal history includes: possession of heroin with intent to sell, possession of meth, possession of structure for drug trafficking, paraphernalia, battery, battery domestic violence, fleeing to elude, resisting arrest, child neglect, disorderly conduct, no valid DL, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice.  

·         Brittany McCormick, DOB 3/21/1987, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin over 4 grams (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle to traffic drugs (F-2)

o   Possession with intent to sell MDMA (F-2)

o   Possession of marijuana (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

McCormick’s criminal history includes: DWLSR, and FTA.

PCSO undercover detectives identified 28-year-old Christopher Walton as a heroin dealer. They responded to his home, located at 2242 Bordeau Court #1 in Lakeland and served a search warrant, during which they found over 50 grams of heroin (packaged in individual bags for sale – street value approximately $10,000), two semi-automatic pistols, an AR-15 assault rifle with two fully-loaded magazines, paraphernalia (grinder with cocaine residue), and $2,570.00 in cash. Walton told detectives that although he is a convicted felon, he keeps firearms in the house for protection against being robbed. Another couple who have a small child also live in the home, and also had drugs and a firearm in their bedroom. The following people were arrested at this house:

·         Christopher Walton, DOB 2/27/1989, charged with:

o   Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)

o   Possession of cocaine (F-3)

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Walton’s criminal history includes: possession of MDMA, oxycodone, marijuana, heroin trafficking, meth trafficking, possession of paraphernalia, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharge firearm in a public place, open carry firearm, battery on LEO, resisting arrest, DWLSR habitual, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison once.

·         Dante Williams, DOB 10/6/1997, charged with:

o   Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle used to traffic drugs (F-2)

o   Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Williams’ criminal history includes: possession of MDMA, possession of paraphernalia, aggravated battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, shooting into dwelling, carrying concealed weapon, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, assault, disturbing the peace, burglary, grand theft, corruption, battery on LEO, trespassing, hit and run, no valid DL, FTA and VOP. He’s been to state prison once.

·         Anira Lecount (Dante Williams’ girlfriend), DOB 11/27/1998, charged with:

o   Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)

o   Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Tonyo Evans as a known heroin supplier, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 - .1 grams each) for $4,000.00. Detectives also served a search warrant at his home where he lives with his girlfriend, 27-year-old Kayla Jenkins, located at 3929 K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale, and found oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, and grinders and bags with heroin residue. Horace Martin was with Evans during the drug sales. The following people were arrested at this house:

·         Tonyo Evans, DOB 7/17/1985, charged with:

o   Possession of structure to sell controlled substance (F-2)

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

o   Knowingly DLWSR (M-2)

Evans’ criminal history includes: possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, fleeing to elude, tampering with evidence, gambling, aggravated battery, possession of firearm/ammo by convicted felon, remove serial number from firearm, resisting arrest, giving false ID to LEO, DWLSR, FTA and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice. 

·         Kayla Jenkins, DOB 1/1/1990, charged with:

o   Possession of structure to sell controlled substance (F-2)

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

o   Possession of oxycodone (F-3)

o   Possession of hydrocodone (F-3) 

·         Horace Martin, DOB 1/31/1986, charged with:

o   Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)

Martin’s criminal history includes: possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, shooting into dwelling, violation of injunction for protection, battery domestic violence, criminal mischief, DWLSR, and FTA.

In April 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Naboris Lampkin and 22-year-old Ladarius Oglesby as known heroin suppliers, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 - .1 grams each) from Lampkin, and 89 bags from Oglesby. Detectives arrested:

·         Ladarius Oglesby, DOB 10/11/1994, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Oglesby’s criminal history includes: aggravated assault, shooting into dwelling/vehicle, armed trespassing, grand theft of motor vehicle, battery, possession of controlled substance, FTA, and VOP.

Detectives have a warrant for:

·         Naboris Lampkin, DOB 9/24/1985, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs (F-2)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Lampkin’s criminal history includes: possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, fleeing to elude, resisting arrest, battery on LEO, grand theft of motor vehicle, reckless driving, DWLSR, and VOP.

While searching for Lampkin to serve his arrest warrant, detectives responded to the Emma Street / Swindell Road area of Lakeland and met with three people at a storage facility. While there, they detected the strong odor of raw marijuana. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant, and seized three pounds of marijuana within the storage unit, and $10,955.00 cash, along with a Kevlar vest. Detectives arrested three suspects –25-year-old Jeffry Negula of Tampa, 28-year-old Hocesly Leger of Port St. Lucie, and Obed Edmond of Tallahassee. Negula was charged with: possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of paraphernalia, maintaining structure for drug sales; Leger & Edmond were charged with: possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of paraphernalia. 

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Timothy Brooks as a known heroin supplier, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 - .1 grams each). He had an active Polk County warrant for his arrest, for trafficking in heroin. During a previous drug transaction, Brooks had a 5-year-old boy in the car. During this most recent transaction, he arrived at the prearranged meeting place with his girlfriend, 18-year-old Tatiana Rodman, in her car, where they made two drug sales with undercover detectives. During a search of their vehicle, detectives seized 700 baggies of heroin totaling 171 grams. Detectives arrested:

·         Timothy Brooks, DOB 3/20/1986, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

o   Trafficking in heroin WARRANT (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs WARRANT (F-2)

o   Unlawful use of two-way communication device WARRANT (F-2)

o   Possession of paraphernalia WARRANT (M-1)

Brooks’ criminal history includes: heroin trafficking, cocaine possession, possession of oxycodone, paraphernalia, possession of vehicle for drug trafficking, possession of short-barreled shotgun, possession of weapon/ammo by convicted felon, marijuana with intent to sell, resisting arrest, attempt to destroy evidence, giving false ID to LEO, DWLSR, petit theft, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice.  

·         Tatiana Rodman, DOB 8/6/1998, charged with:

o   Trafficking in heroin (F-1)

o   Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs (F-2) 

PCSO undercover detectives served a search warrant at 2490 Chestnut Woods Drive in Lakeland, occupied by 31-year-old Christopher Barnes, and 20-year-old Ke’Yhana Odom. During a search of the home, detectives found marijuana in Barnes’ bedroom, and several bags of heroin in Odom’s bedroom. Detectives arrested:

·         Ke’Yhana Odom, DOB 5/30/1996, charged with:

o   Possession of heroin (F-3)

o   Maintaining structure for drug use (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1) 

·         Christopher Barnes, DOB 4/27/1986, charged with:

o   Maintaining structure for drug use (M-1)

o   Possession of marijuana (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Barnes’ criminal history includes: possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, resisting arrest, DUI, giving false info to LEO, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP.

PCSO undercover detectives served a search warrant at 2482 Chestnut Woods Drive in Lakeland, occupied by 26-year-old Julius Dixon. During a search of the home, detectives found two semi-automatic firearms (one of which had the serial number removed), a bag of heroin, marijuana, a digital scale, and hydrocodone pills. Detectives arrested:

·         Julius Dixon, DOB 12/7/1990, charged with:

o   Possession of firearm with altered serial number (F-3)

o   Possession of heroin (F-3)

o   Possession of hydrocodone (F-3)

o   Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams (M-1)

o   Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Dixon’s criminal history includes: battery domestic violence, burglary, larceny, grand theft, and VOP.

DEATHS:

So far in 2017, there have been eight (8) deaths in unincorporated Polk County, suspected of being caused by heroin overdoses – all of those autopsies are pending toxicology. Of those eight deaths, PCSO detective believe five (5) are directly related to the aforementioned people arrested during this investigation. Detectives believe Ladarius Oglesby, Trenard Butler, and Antonorio Nelson sold heroin to these five people who died from suspected heroin overdoses: Justiss Arrington, Blanca Jimenez, Yusuf Ali Chaudhry, Tammy Crum, and Rodney Sewell.

Preliminary information about those 5 deaths are as follows:

63-year-old Rodney Sewell, 6231 Sweetwater Drive, Lakeland

·         On April 19, 2017, PCSO responded to a well-being check at the residence; Rodney’s mother called PCSO from Ormond Beach because she hadn’t heard from him in a week & she was concerned;  The mailbox was overflowing & the power was off; Deputies made entry into the home and found Rodney lying dead on the living room floor surrounded by syringes and bundles of heroin; Detectives found syringes and spoons with heroin residue in his duffel bag; His mother said he started using heroin several years ago to “manage his back pain”;  Autopsy pending toxicology.

22-year-old Justiss Arrington, 2127 Dillie Street, Lakeland

·         On April 2, 2017, PCSO deputies were dispatched to Dillie Street and Wabash Avenue in reference to a suspicious person; EMS was also requested to respond to the scene, as the person was unresponsive;  The victim was located in the back yard of the residence at 2127 Dillie Street in Lakeland, face down on the ground;  There were no obvious signs of trauma located on the victim;  A small pack of wax was located near the victim and foam had excreted from his mouth;  Autopsy pending toxicology.

31-year-old Yusuf Chaudhry, 1937 High Glen Ct, Lakeland

·         PCSO received a 911 call on March 22, 2017 in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway on Andrea Drive in Lakeland; Deputies responded to the scene and located a 2014 GMC Sierra pick-up truck parked in the reportee’s driveway; Two males were located in the vehicle and both were found to be unresponsive. Yusuf Chaudhry was in the driver’s seat with his window down, and Hasun Chaudhry (Yusuf’s twin brother), was in the front passenger’s seat;  Yusuf stopped breathing and was pulled out of the vehicle by deputies who then began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced Yusuf deceased. Hasun is expected to recover; There were no obvious signs of injury or trauma to either victim; Parents said they do not know what could have happened, but did advise that in 2015 Yusuf suffered an overdose and was hospitalized;  Autopsy pending toxicology. 

55-year-old Blanca Jimenez, 2635 Crutchfield Road, Lakeland

·         On March 6, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to 1227 Plant Ave for an AED assist for EMS. Upon EMS’ arrival, they pronounced Blanca Jimenez deceased;  Jimenez was last seen sleeping in a chair located in the bedroom. The reportee said he walked by Jimenez throughout the night and did not notice her being unresponsive until this morning;  The reportee advised he attempted to wake Jimenez just before summoning EMS due to her being cold and unresponsive; he has only known the deceased for a short time and she does not reside at this residence;  Autopsy pending toxicology. 

35-year-old Tammy Crum, 210 Snively Ave, Lakeland

·         On February 4, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to Snively Ave in reference to an unresponsive female (Tammy Crum), who was found laying on the floor next to the bed, did not appear to be breathing, and had vomited on herself. EMS arrived on scene and initiated CPR. She was transported to LRHMC;  She was pronounced deceased at the hospital; According to witnesses, she used heroin three times on February 3, 2017;  Tammy has been known to abuse opiates since the age of 16 and has been using heroin for 6-7 years;  Autopsy pending toxicology.