Sheriff Annunces Big Drug Bust

    The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau, in conjunction with the City County Investigation Bureau, recently concluded a six-month investigation dubbed ‘Operation: Poison Control.’ The goal of the operation was to target mid-to-high-level drug traffickers distributing fentanyl throughout Lake County.
   As the investigation progressed, detectives encountered an assortment of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout Lake County. As a result of the operation, undercover detectives were able to successfully purchase trafficking amounts of fentanyl, as well as trafficking amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA from multiple drug traffickers throughout the county. Undercover detectives were able to obtain arrest warrants for 21 individuals, for a total of 50 charges.
   It should be noted that some information obtained for this investigation was developed through information received from the public. In addition, the investigation was a joint effort between several law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, and Clermont Police Departments. Such support from citizens and inter-agency cooperation is what makes these investigations successful.
   “Operations like this and the many we have done in the past save lives,” said Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. “I’m proud of the dedication and commitment of our undercover agents to keep Lake County safe.”
   As a result of the operation, arrest warrants were issued for 21 subjects. A warrant round-up was conducted last week; 15 are in custody at the time of this release, and six are still wanted.
   The individuals taken into custody thus far are Eugene Moton, David Quashie, Kevin Edwards, Rodney Goodman, Kristen Casey, Shawna Slagle, Trammell Richardson, Marshall Harbin, Jerry Parker, Clifford Smith, Robert Mullins, Jonathan Dickens, Christopher Johnson, Ronald Holley, and Andrew Wallace.
   The six who remain at large as of last week were Derrick Walker, Kourtney Smith, Tyson Smith, Jason Simpson, George Medina, and Scottie Crosby.
   Anyone with any information concerning the whereabouts of these six individuals is encouraged to call the sheriff's office or Central Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS, where you can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward.
   Booking photos and specific charges for each individual arrested will be available on the sheriff’s office website at www.lcso.org.