Tampa, FL 33602. "With less than a month until the big game,our covert operations continue,seeking those who choose to sexually exploit others here in our community,said Sheriff Chad Chronister. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. Frequently requested statistics for: Hillsborough County, Florida. Total employment, percent change, 2020-2021-1.7%: Total nonemployer establishments, 2019: 148,720: All employer firms, Reference year 2017: 29,153: Men-owned employer firms, A month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office led investigators to a 28-year-old Riverview man who sold drugs from his home, authorities said in a press release. From December 7, 2020, through January 9, 2021, HCSO detectives worked undercover posting online ads offering to meet up and make themselves available to be purchased for sex. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Hillsborough Countys share of an opioid litigation settlement could reach $60 million for treatment, prevention and other efforts to combat the decades-long addiction crisis. WebIn response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. East Greenbush to begin enforcing lowered speed limits, Over 3k guns turned in during statewide gun buyback, 14 people hospitalized from collapsed roof, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrellas and wipers. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. When consumed, these drugs Right now, so many families are being devastated nationwide. They may contain dangerous chemical compounds. Separately, the countys litigation against Purdue Pharma the maker of OxyContin and Dilaudid retailers Walgreens and CVS and seven other companies continues. Federal prosecutors indicted eleven people on drug trafficking charges. Ashley Purvis, 30, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. TAMPA, Fla. For Ellen Snelling, its still so surreal. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A wiretap investigation that spanned about nine months helped lead deputies to a countywide drug bust in Polk County. We know from past experiences with major sporting events that there will be some who travel for the exclusive purpose of taking advantage of women and children. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Tornado in Virginia Beach destroys homes, causes, Take part in the fifth NYS Canalway Challenge, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 273 grams of crack cocaine. The data also shows that in the first six months of 2020, in Hillsborough County, 1,338 calls across all EMS/Fire Rescue were opioid overdose calls treated with Narcan a medicine that rapidly reverses the effects of an overdose compared to 732 in the same six month period in 2019. CONCORD - Michael Cicciu, 42, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the results of a month-long operation aimed at targeting and deterring human trafficking in Hillsborough County. Monitoring data trends helps assess increases or decreases and aids in targeted prevention opportunities for those most at risk. Services for pregnant women and inmates, education, treatment programs, expanding social services, training for first responders and others efforts are some of the uses identified by the memorandum to be considered by commissioners. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 85 arrests, the seizure of over $12.8 million worth of drugs, and the dismantling of an international drug trafficking organization 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. 2022 is going to be my prediction, and I mean Im just praying and hoping that thats the year were going to start turning this around," she said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Julius Lane, 34, Hillsborough County House of Correction, charged with sale of a controlled drug (3 counts); Tommy Rodgers, 29, Middleton County Jail, Middleton, Mass., charged with sale of a controlled drug (2 counts). Published Jul. Im happy with the settlement, Commissioner Stacy White said Monday. This is particularly so when the product that the company manufactures, distributes and sells is a narcotic.. Chance of rain 100%. Manchester, NH (03109) Today. 424 bags of fentanyl. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Six men in Hillsborough County are accused of exploiting drug addiction to force women into prostitution. The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. Sheriff Chronister said during Monday's announcement, by continuing to conduct undercover operations targeting Johns, his hope is that both residents and visitors of Hillsborough County the week of the big game, including those traveling specifically to engage in human trafficking, will learn in advance that Hillsborough County has a zero-tolerance for such activity. The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. Dawna Gantvoort, 45, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and controlled substance. Here's What Bloomingdale-Riverview Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led Top Stories / Jun 24, 2021 / 04:38 PM EDT. They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to forfeit his interest in the property, which is located on East High Street in Manchester. Largo lawyers death part of uncommon trend. Motorcyclist Recovering After Crashing Into Clearwater Police Vehicle, Broadband Internet Coming To Rural Areas Of Hillsborough, Pasco County, Wimauma Infant's Death Ruled Homicide; Mother Charged With Murder, Salute To Scholars Scholarship Applications Open, AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz, 2-Year-Old Daughter Of Bucs Linebacker Shaquil Barrett Drowns Sunday, Bloomingdale-Riverview Area: 5 Freshest Homes For Sale, Gator Rescued In Philly, Manatee Center Breaks Ground: FL Good News. This is the result of a twi-year investigation. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Mother's Day Giveaway: Win a $2,500 Gift Card to Gold & Diamond Source! I was actually at Universal Studios. Iwant to make it very clear, ifyou are planning to engage in the sexual exploitation of others, Im urging you to think twice. All of those things have to be addressed, Snelling concluded. Booking Details name OQUENDO,FELICITY dob 2003-09-30 age 19 years old height 4'11 hair BRO The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution and accompanying memorandum of understanding to begin the process of settling its claim. Florida students rally to be heard in education debate, Pinellas judge denies defendants use of medical marijuana, suggests Xanax instead, Blogger must say if he was paid to publish posts about candidate, judge rules, Disney sues DeSantis, saying it is victim of retaliation. The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2020, Manchester police detectives obtained a state search warrant for Ciccius residence based on surveillance and post-arrest statements from both buyers and suppliers of drugs. Police say more arrests are expected and that further joint efforts are planned. Snelling shared data with ABC Action News that shows, in the past few years, the spike in overdose deaths in Hillsborough County now exceeds the annual count of traffic fatalities, homicides, and suicides. Dozens of people have been indicted in the bust of a major narcotic trafficking ring that operated on Long Island, including from out of two day care centers, In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorneys Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger. Times staff. Police arrested Strawder on charges of armed drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. 22, 2016. Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways, said U.S. Attorney Young. Hillsborough Countys share of an opioid litigation settlement could reach $60 million for treatment, prevention and other efforts to combat the decades-long addiction crisis. The way the world is right now that one pill if it is not from your doctor prescription from your pharmacy youre taking a huge chance with your life," she added. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture portion of the case. HILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Department deployed the Hillsboro/Greenfield Special Response Team to execute two search warrants at different locations in the city. Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 This was the 59th grow house bust of the year, according to the Hillsborough Sheriffs Office. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when they Read More They were accused of trafficking in Fentanyl after a search warrant was executed at a St. Petersburg motel, the Pinellas Sheriffs Office said. The goal of S.O.S. TAMPA, Fla. A Tampa man is in jail facing several drug-related charges after a joint investigation between the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care, Floridas graduating seniors shouldnt face different rules | Letters, No charges filed in the shooting death of 19-year-old University of Tampa student, Hillsborough announces details of opioid lawsuit, South Dakota motorcycle rally carries COVID cases across 5 states. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Police seized fentanyl, meth, firearms, and more than $5,000. Snelling said fentanyl, a powerful opioid that often contaminates other drugs, was to blame in both cases. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. The Capital District Reptile Expo returns! "We are committed to protecting Hillsborough County. Letsgetstarted. @bn9 pic.twitter.com/Lg3shh5nQ9. On one of these occasions, officers also located several assault-style weapons, a handgun, and brass knuckles. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to the data, fentanyl analogs are now the most common drugs found in overdose victims. A total of 71 individuals were arrested during the course of the investigation dubbed Operation Interception, one of many proactive approaches the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office has taken to combat human trafficking leading up to the Super Bowl coming to Tampa in February 2021. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced in a news conference Thursday the creation of a program designed to expand the rehabilitative options available to low-level drug offenders. The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Published Oct. 29, 2020. It happened at a home on the 200 block of Carline Road. Rain likely. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has installed permanent drug drop-boxes at four of its patrol district offices. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Three months before Hillsborough filed its suit, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she had filed the most comprehensive lawsuit in the country against the largest manufacturers and distributors of opioids, blaming them for creating an opioid crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Floridians. "I will not tolerate this illegal acitivity, and I can assure you the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will continue to invest the time needed to identify all the players and dismantle their operation.". Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. We will continue to go after people who choose to deal poison in our community. RELATED: Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, RELATED: Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, RELATED: Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, RELATED: 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, RELATED: Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs, Example video title will go here for this video. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. The suspects, US Attorney. According to federal prosecutors, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. Board didnt say why. Snelling said the Tampa Bay area is generally well-suited with a myriad of drug treatment programs, but she believes more can be done regionally and nationally, including better education starting at an earlier age, more funding for treatment and prevention, better access to quick treatment, and stronger border security to better prevent the flow of fentanyl from Mexico. 35 people were arrested earlier this week after a drug distribution investigation between police departments and officials in New Hampshire and Maine. (Dave Jordan, Spectrum News staff). The county used attorney Michael Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, to file suit in 2018 against 14 companies, alleging drug manufacturers helped cause the addiction crisis and violated Floridas Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by aggressively marketing opioid drugs, overplaying their benefits in treating chronic pain and downplaying their dangers. Investigators found the man they believe to be his supplier, Beau Strawder, 46, who stayed at the Clarion Hotel on East Adamo Drive in Tampa, police said. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Drugs, guns, and money seized. Abuse of synthetic drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana has become an epidemic. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Not only do drug traffickers sell deadly substances, but their unlawful activities damage the peace and security of our neighborhoods. To think of losing anyone in your family over a drug is, you know, its just awful, and it can cause nightmares, and it makes you worry constantly, said Snelling. Most of the arrests involved drug activity, including charges for possession, sales, conspiracy to sell narcotics, destruction of evidence, felony possession of a firearm, child abuse, receiving stolen property, falsifying evidence, theft, and violation of bail, all being drug related and involving fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, meth, and marijuana. Ellen Snelling, with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, has lived the record-breaking spike of overdose deaths, Devastated by drug overdoses, Tampa advocate prays deadly spike will end in 2022. Female detectives posed as prostitutes on the streets. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, includes a list of programs available in our area. Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. This started as early as 2016 and continued well into August of this year. Bruins' season ends in Game 7 loss to Panthers, Maine veterans experience hero's welcome after first Honor Flight trip of the year, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during strong spring storm, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during spring storm, Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs. Police seized fentanyl, meth, firearms, and more than $5,000. All Rights Reserved. Data from the County Medical Examiner's toxicology lab through September 2020 indicates that fatal overdoses have spiked more than 30%. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. Cicciu is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2022. 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. Deputies found significant amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs, along with firearms and more than $30,000 in cash inside the hotel rooms, said police. By Dave Jordan Hillsborough County PUBLISHED 12:10 PM ET Sep. 03, 2020 TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges The proceeds will finance treatment programs and other efforts to combat addiction. And then, in the summer of 2021, history nearly repeated itself when someone in her immediate family had a similar scare, and according to Snelling, came very close to death but miraculously survived. Snellings biggest plea is for those who need help to seek it out quickly. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. DeSantis v. Disney: Who has the edge in a long, drawn-out fight? By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. Eric Paul, 29, charged with trafficking of methamphetamine. It could result in future settlements, according to a memorandum to commissioners. Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police The 11 defendants each face federal charges ofconspiracy and drug distribution. Investigators say they were trafficking heroin and fentanyl in Tampa and Kissimmee. Its almost like you cant comprehend it, said Snelling. The heroin and fentanyl was trafficked throughout Tampa and Kissimmee, officials said. A murder case without a body? Some individuals received additional charges, including drug possession. Register to receive time-sensitive messages about emergencies and certain non-emergency events straight from us to you. It really is almost incomprehensible how extensive the epidemic is, and its hitting us right here in the Tampa Bay area, she said. Complete this form to report the marketing, sale or manufacture of synthetic drugs. Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse, and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. A total of 71Johns, or sex buyers, were arrested and charged with soliciting another to commit prostitution or entering/remaining in a place for prostitution. Authorities did not release much information because they said more arrests and indictments could be coming and they didnt want to compromise this case. The counts of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. And got a phone call that he had overdosed and died I just I cant describe how it was just horrible.. In addition, there were 916 non-fatal opioid-related hospital emergency room visits and 450 hospitalizations in the county during the first nine months of 2020. ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. Our goal, as the operation name explains, is to intercept individuals, involved in sexual exploitation before they are able to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, andultimately, to deter others.". The suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and accused of targeting Tampa Bay and Central Florida. Eric Williams, 36, Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, giving false name to law enforcement, outstanding warrant for trespass, larceny with relation to utility.
