Crime Correspondent

Gregory Lora, 18, and Priscilla Jeffrey, 21, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Gregory Lora, 18, and Priscilla Jeffrey, 21, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Gregory Lora, 18, and Priscilla Jeffrey, 21, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony. Jeffrey...

Shoukat Yaqoob - locked up for 11 years for conspiracy to supply heroin

Shoukat Yaqoob - locked up for 11 years for conspiracy to supply heroin - worked at an insurance company call centre in Sheffield and used the company's phoneline to mastermind the multi-million pound enterprise.His calls were examined and it emerged he had been working on the orders of 28-year-old Sadakat Ali Malook, of Osgathorpe Road, Fir Vale.Malook, serving a 21-year jail term, was ordered to pay back £196,069 in six months or face a further three years in prison. Naveed Yaqoob, 23, of Barnsley Road, Fir Vale, must pay back £1,516 within a week or have 40 days added to his jail term. His brother Jamil Yaqoob, 25, of Sturton Road, Fir Vale, must pay back £220.29 or face an extra 14 days in jail.The Yaqoob brothers were arrested after police searched a house in Pitsmoor where they were storing their drugs. Bags of heroin with a street value of £100,000, along with equipment used in the mixing, packing and distribution of drugs, were discovered.Naveed was jailed for 13 years for conspiracy to supply heroin and Jamil received five years for the same offence. Two other members of the gang were jailed when the case was first at court in 2007. Jangheer Yaqoob - another of the brothers - received seven years for supplying heroin and crack cocaine, and Christopher Dewey from Doncaster received five years for conspiracy to supply heroin.Last July a court found Shoukat Yaqoob, 27, of Earl Marshal Road, Fir Vale, had profited from the scheme to the tune of a massive £3,115,096 and he was ordered to pay back more than £97,000 or face an extra two years in jail.

Shoukat Yaqoob - locked up for 11 years for conspiracy to supply heroin

Shoukat Yaqoob - locked up for 11 years for conspiracy to supply heroin - worked at an insurance company call centre in Sheffield and used t...

Cameron Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ronald Ellis in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to distribute crystal meth and co

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYeeoZ28-VT_Aw2viU5chWufEJ5DRFdiByBRrUf0W1gDDNsH_pLm5Z5jXNfGmYpFG5Z3KmRgQAh1qGZxqleSv1b9Nc4CAElSx5pVKfEZ6QEQqi7IHJQrRO1gG3AbCRe2LBZ8_ad1UTTk/s1600-h/cameron-douglas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431717400838727250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYeeoZ28-VT_Aw2viU5chWufEJ5DRFdiByBRrUf0W1gDDNsH_pLm5Z5jXNfGmYpFG5Z3KmRgQAh1qGZxqleSv1b9Nc4CAElSx5pVKfEZ6QEQqi7IHJQrRO1gG3AbCRe2LBZ8_ad1UTTk/s400/cameron-douglas.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 307px;" /></a> Cameron Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ronald Ellis in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to distribute crystal meth and cocaine and to heroin possession.son of Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas admitted in a New York court on Wednesday to possessing heroin and dealing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine out of his hotel room.Douglas was arrested on July 28 at the trendy Gansevoort Hotel in Manhattan and faces at least 11 years and up to life in prison. After his arrest and while on pretrial release, Douglas possessed heroin, the charges said.Douglas sent large quantities of methamphetamine, known by the street names of "crystal meth" and "ice," to New York via FedEx between 2006 and 2009, according to the complaint.He worked with accomplices who are cooperating with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the complaint said.In several different recorded phone calls Douglas referred to the drugs as "pastry" and "salts," the complaint said.Douglas was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine in 2007 in Santa Barbara, California.His two-time Oscar-winner father, Michael Douglas, in an interview in the March/April issue of AARP The Magazine said his son, his only child with his first wife Diandra Luker, is a "tough kid" but that he was still worried about his welfare.In the 2000 movie Traffic, Michael Douglas played a high-powered judge in charge of fighting a war on drugs, only to find out his teenage daughter was a cocaine addict."Cameron has a lot of life ahead. He now recognizes his own demons and struggles," Douglas told the magazine.

Cameron Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ronald Ellis in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to distribute crystal meth and co

Cameron Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ronald Ellis in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to distribute crystal m...

Ernest Lee Porter, 34, was arrested Friday, two days after deputies raided his Rio del Mar home

Ernest Lee Porter, 34, was arrested Friday, two days after deputies raided his Rio del Mar home, according to Sgt. Mark Yanez.Deputies confiscated about 450 plants from gardens set up in several rooms of the Loma Prieta Drive house and a couple of outbuildings, the Sheriff's Office reported. "He had grows everywhere," Yanez said.Porter allegedly had about 10 pounds of marijuana either drying or packaged to sell and approximately $18,500 cash at his house, according to the Sheriff's Office. During the search for pot, deputies also found almost a pound and a half of cocaine and two shotguns, Yanez said.Detectives believe that Porter, who lived in the house, was selling cocaine and marijuana. He told deputies he was a medicinal user, Yanez said."He's selling it, so he's outside of state guidelines," Yanez said. "We don't bust people for being out of the county guidelines. ... Generally cases we do that result in arrests are the people who are selling it." Porter was arrested on suspicion of possessing for sale and transporting cocaine, possessing for sale and transporting of marijuana and enhancements for large quantity of cocaine and possessing firearms while possessing a controlled substance for sale, according to Yanez.Yanez said the marijuana grow tip came in Wednesday. Detectives did some follow-up investigation before going to a judge for a search warrant, which was served the same day. Porter was there when the raid started, but left.County Jail records showed Porter was taken into custody Friday afternoon at a home on the Eastside of Santa Cruz, booked into jail and later released on $100,000 bail.

Ernest Lee Porter, 34, was arrested Friday, two days after deputies raided his Rio del Mar home

Ernest Lee Porter, 34, was arrested Friday, two days after deputies raided his Rio del Mar home, according to Sgt. Mark Yanez.Deputies confi...

David R. Colbath and Owens face preliminary charges of dealing in cocaine, possession of cocaine and public intoxication.

David R. Colbath, 30, of Jeffersonville, and April Owens, 29, of Clarksville, also were in the vehicle and were arrested, according to Clarksville Police Department Maj. Dale Abell.Colbath and Owens face preliminary charges of dealing in cocaine, possession of cocaine and public intoxication.Clarksville Police Department Maj. Dale Abell said the arrests were made after a traffic stop at the ramp of Veterans Parkway onto East U.S. 31. The arrests were made at 7:16 a.m.Maj. Chuck Adams, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, said Terry was booked into jail early Wednesday morning and is being held without bond out of Clark County Superior Court No. 2.“The police reported indicated [Terry] was observed driving erratically,” Clark County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeremy Mull saidMull said, according to the police report, a small amount of cocaine was found in a cupholder next to Terry. He also had a handgun directly under his seat that had six rounds in a magazine. He had no gun permit.Mull said police officers alleged Terry refused to obey verbal commands and “stiffened up” when officer attempted to handcuff him. A larger amount of cocaine was found on the ground next to Colbath. Mull said Colbath had more than $1,200 in his possession, while Terry and Owens had a little more than $100.Mull said it is possible that not all of the occupants in the vehicle will be officially charged with dealing in cocaine.Terry, a 6-foot, 5-inch, 295-pound offensive tackle, last played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007.According to his www.nfl.com profile, Terry was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Panthers, three seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and two seasons for the Chiefs after attending University of Georgia.According to media reports, Terry was cut by the Chiefs in December 2007 for not attending team meetings. He was then suspended by the NFL for the entire 2008 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He had previously been suspended in 2003 for violating the substance abuse policy and for a domestic dispute with his wife.Terry played in 100 career games, 88 as a starter.

David R. Colbath and Owens face preliminary charges of dealing in cocaine, possession of cocaine and public intoxication.

David R. Colbath, 30, of Jeffersonville, and April Owens, 29, of Clarksville, also were in the vehicle and were arrested, according to Clark...

Chris Terry, 34, of Jacksonville, Fla., was booked into jail on charges of class A felony dealing cocaine

Former NFL offensive tackle Chris Terry is under arrest in Clarksville, Indiana for a number of charges, including possessing and dealing co...

Pete Doherty On Tuesday, the Babyshambles frontman was slapped on the wrist for his latest offense

Troubled rocker Pete Doherty has been ordered to pay a fine after he was caught carrying heroin into a U.K. court in December. The Babyshambles frontman landed himself in trouble after he was frisked by guards on his way into Gloucester Crown Court for sentencing over a series of driving offenses. Security staff saw a small packet fall out of his coat and the star was arrested in the corridor on his way out. His lawyer argued at Gloucester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday that Doherty had forgotten the 13 wraps of heroin were in the jacket - but the judge branded it a "stupid" move. District Judge Joti Boparai told the star, "Either this was sheer stupidity or a ploy to get more publicity." He was ordered to pay $1,200 but escaped a rehabilitation order as the judge ruled public funds shouldn't be spent on him as Doherty is already paying for private drug treatment. Doherty would be questioned after new evidence emerged in an unsolved 2006 party death. The evidence corroborates the allegation that the rocker was involved in a fight with the victim prior to his death from a multi-story fall.In unrelated troubles to come, friend and filmmaker Robin Whitehead, a member of the wealthy British Goldsmith family, was found dead of a drug overdose on Sunday. According to the Daily Mail, Whitehead, 27, was ten days into filming a documentary about Doherty, and had been with him at the place of her death just a day before she was found.When confronted with the news of Whitehead's death while leaving the courthouse on Wednesday, Doherty told a reporter, "I don't know what you're talking about." <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mEOICfDFmMA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mEOICfDFmMA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pete Doherty On Tuesday, the Babyshambles frontman was slapped on the wrist for his latest offense – bringing 13 doses of heroin into a drunk-driving hearing. An England court handed him only a $1,400 fine. But it's about to get worse for the embattled tabloid prince. Maybe a whole lot worse after friend Robin Whitehead was found dead of an overdose just a day after visiting the rocker.Doherty was in court for sentencing on Dec. 21 for June charges of driving carelessly, while drunk and in possession of drugs when "13 wraps of heroin" fell from his pocket. "He was in a rush to get to court. He was handed a coat and he didn't check the pockets," his lawyer explained to the judge on Tuesday.The popular musician plead guilty to the December charges. He was ordered to pay $3,300 in fines and banned from driving for 18 months. The drugs fell out of his pockets upon his exiting the courthouse. "Either this was sheer stupidity or a ploy to get more publicity," Judge Joti Boparai told Reuters on Wednesday.His lawyer explained to the court that Doherty "is a recovering heroin addict and has received some very sophisticated medical treatment."Because he is currently in treatment, and reportedly using medical implants that cancel the effects of heroin, Judge Boparai decided against using the "public purse" to rehabilitate the singer.

Pete Doherty On Tuesday, the Babyshambles frontman was slapped on the wrist for his latest offense

Troubled rocker Pete Doherty has been ordered to pay a fine after he was caught carrying heroin into a U.K. court in December. The Babyshamb...

Ryan Freeman has been placed on administrative leave from both his law enforcement posts after police said he illegally searched for information

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYkh_OZjYM4gz3A62WCPkSnPSaDuNQ5y0RjE6UlHFvK7_PRgt5HXFdOzkUTVpCoSEB7bB5ZnA5LwCw0Efr3AlnhhQF_6-TOGKl0ItTchC4YsqEKtwlYrl_mAF5iONIqQ_irYVxc9uV-U/s1600-h/ryan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431710710979124610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYkh_OZjYM4gz3A62WCPkSnPSaDuNQ5y0RjE6UlHFvK7_PRgt5HXFdOzkUTVpCoSEB7bB5ZnA5LwCw0Efr3AlnhhQF_6-TOGKl0ItTchC4YsqEKtwlYrl_mAF5iONIqQ_irYVxc9uV-U/s400/ryan.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 210px;" /></a> Ryan Freeman has been placed on administrative leave from both his law enforcement posts after police said he illegally searched for information on two drug trafficking suspects.He is both a corrections officer with the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office and a Braceville Police Department officer. Freeman was arrested last week on charges of unauthorized use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway and obstruction of justice after officials with Trumbull Ashtabula Group Law Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at his home. Police said he'd illegally used the OLEG information system to search the backgrounds of acquaintances Frederick Johnson and Brandy Purbaugh. During the search in late December, he learned they were suspects in a heroin ring investigation in Trumbull County. Johnson and Purbaugh were arrested after raids in Warren earlier this month. Freeman also searched information on two officers, said police. Braceville Police Chief Bill Garro said Freeman's has worked at the department as an unpaid reserve officer for just a little over one month and has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. "I was flabbergasted when I heard the news," Garro said. Tarro said any further action regarding Freeman's status or employment will be up to township trustees.Meanwhile, Freeman has also been placed on paid administrative leave by the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, where he's worked for about three years. Freeman pleaded not guilty to his charges in Warren Municipal Court earlier this week and posted $5,000 bond.

Ryan Freeman has been placed on administrative leave from both his law enforcement posts after police said he illegally searched for information

Ryan Freeman has been placed on administrative leave from both his law enforcement posts after police said he illegally searched for informa...

Michael Hawcroft was charged with four counts of supplying commercial quantities of ecstasy and one count of supplying cocaine

Michael Hawcroft, 23, of Charles Street, Warners Bay, did not enter pleas and did not apply for bail in Newcastle Local Court.He was charged with four counts of supplying commercial quantities of ecstasy and one count of supplying cocaine.His case was adjourned to May.Police intercepted 60,000 thousand telephone calls and text messages, the court heard.A woman, 20, believed to be one of the charged men's partner, was arrested when she attended Newcastle police station and was expected to be charged last night. EIGHT young men remained behind bars last night, accused of being involved in a major drug distribution ring that had supplied more than 27,000 ecstasy pills to Newcastle's party scene in just three months.Specialist police raided six properties in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Sydney following an intense investigation, which will allege the supply of drugs with a potential street value of more than $750,000.Six of the eight men face at least one count of supplying a large commercial quantity of ecstasy, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years. Police also seized two cars, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, televisions, stereos and hundreds of ecstasy tablets, cocaine and steroids.The National Parks and Wildlife Service was called in to seize a snake from a New Lambton address while a search warrant on a Kemps Creek house was suspended while specialist police from the force's chemical operations unit were called in after glassware and other items were discovered.Newcastle City local area commander Superintendent Max Mitchell said Strike Force Sloman had put a major dint in the supply of the so-called party drug in Newcastle."The bottom line is that it is an unfortunate state of play that we have young men ranging in age from 19 to 26 who have been involved in this type of crime and supplying, in general, these drugs to young members of our community," Superintendent Mitchell said.". . .what it shows the general community is that we do have a problem with the supply of ecstasy within our community and that is very unfortunate." Police allege that at least one of the men had supplied cocaine and LSD. Officers raided two units in Newcastle and residences in Warners Bay, Cooks Hill, New Lambton and Kemps Creek in Sydney.The 26-year-old arrested at Kemps Creek is a member of the Hells Angels bikie gang and a Newcastle man, 20, has links with the Gladiators. A Cooks Hill man, 19, was charged with one count of using a phone service to procure a person under 16 years for a sexual act.Two men were arrested in a gym car park in Warners Bay, another was arrested at Honeysuckle and a fourth was taken into custody at Kooragang Island. Superintendent Mitchell said using drugs had become a widespread problem within the Newcastle party precinct and he would be seeking meetings with publicans and stakeholders in a bid to find solutions."I think the majority of ecstasy is supplied for the purpose of individuals who can go out to our entertainment areas, dance parties, etcetera," he said. "That is the purpose of the drug, it gives the individual the high they are looking for. "We know that it is a cheap form where they buy a tablet for a night out for $25 on average. Of course, $25 is a lot cheaper than going into some of our licensed premises and spending in the vicinity of $100 or more on the purchase of alcohol. "That is the simple and sad fact of what we are putting up with today."Only one of the eight men faced court yesterday with the others due to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

Michael Hawcroft was charged with four counts of supplying commercial quantities of ecstasy and one count of supplying cocaine

Michael Hawcroft, 23, of Charles Street, Warners Bay, did not enter pleas and did not apply for bail in Newcastle Local Court.He was charged...

John Andrew Blenkinsop, 25, of Huntley Close, and Lee Alan Cunningham, 23, of Grendon Walk, pleaded guilty to taking part in the drugs plot

John Andrew Blenkinsop, 25, of Huntley Close, and Lee Alan Cunningham, 23, of Grendon Walk, pleaded guilty to taking part in the drugs plot....

Christina Reed of Newell was arrested at her residence Friday on charges of transporting heroin into the state with intent to deliver

Five drug warrants after indictments led to the arrest of three females Friday by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Two other females plan on turning themselves in as soon as they return to the state, according to Detective John Robinson of the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force.Twenty-seven year old Christina Reed of Newell was arrested at her residence Friday on charges of transporting heroin into the state with intent to deliver, and possession of heroin with intent to deliver. Jacklyn, 20, and Angela Kimble, 18, of New Cumberland were also arrested on charges of conspiracy to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin.Jamie Leek, 26, formerly of Newell has been charged with conspiracy to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin. Leek was in Illinois when an officer contacted her regarding the drug warrant and indictment. She will be turning herself in as soon as possible, Robinson said. Kaysha Knox, 19, of Newell has been charged with delivery of heroin. Knox was in Atlanta, Ga., when she was contacted by an officer regarding the drug warrant and indictment. Knox will also be turning herself in as soon as possible. Robinson said all arrests were made and indictments returned Friday. The cases will be handled by the Hancock County Circuit Court.

Christina Reed of Newell was arrested at her residence Friday on charges of transporting heroin into the state with intent to deliver

Five drug warrants after indictments led to the arrest of three females Friday by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Two other females...

Jeff Dubay repeatedly failed drug tests.

Jeff Dubay was sentenced to the Ramsey County workhouse last July on a felony drug possession charge. Dubay moved to an in-patient drug trea...

Jose G. Delgado, 25, aka “Z,” of 2325 N. Gonnam Road, Morris was charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance

Jose G. Delgado, 25, aka “Z,” of 2325 N. Gonnam Road, Morris was charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, all Class X felonies carrying mandatory prison sentences of 6-30 years with no possibility of probation. Robert F. Tanner, 28, of 136 DeLeon St., Apt. 1, Ottawa was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, both Class X felonies. Ashley C. Arwood, 25, of 2325 N. Gonnam Road, Morris was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, both Class X felonies. The arrests follow a months-long investigation by Ottawa Police Department Narcotics Unit, the FBI and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. An Ottawa Police Department press release issued Tuesday stated all three subjects were involved in a powder cocaine dealing investigation dating back to spring 2008 and that it may have ties to the Almighty Latin King Nation, specifically from the Aurora area. Police said Delgado is a known member of the gang. Delgado was ordered held on $200,000 bond; he needs to post $20,000 in cash to be released from custody. Arwood and Tanner both were ordered held on $150,000 and need to post $15,000 in cash.

Jose G. Delgado, 25, aka “Z,” of 2325 N. Gonnam Road, Morris was charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance

Jose G. Delgado, 25, aka “Z,” of 2325 N. Gonnam Road, Morris was charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a...

Michael Calleja, 51 of Kew, Nicola Ciconte, 54, Vincenzo Medici, 45 and Carmelo Loprete, 41, are to be tried next month in Vibo Valentia in Calabria.

Michael Calleja, 51 of Kew, Nicola Ciconte, 54, Vincenzo Medici, 45 and Carmelo Loprete, 41, are to be tried next month in Vibo Valentia in ...

Notice of plea agreements for defendants Rhett Epler and Kyle Walla were listed

Monday on an online federal court records database. The documents themselves are not public.John Powell, a spokesman for the U.S Attorney's Office for Wyoming, said Tuesday he could not comment on the possibility of a plea agreement. Attorneys for Epler and Walla did not respond to messages left at their offices.A hearing for Epler to enter a guilty plea has been set for Tuesday before a federal magistrate judge in Casper, court documents show. The same court has scheduled a similar hearing for Walla the following day.Prosecutors have charged Walla, Epler, Joel Murdoch and Christopher Tyson with conspiring to distribute the heroin and cocaine that resulted in the Dec. 2 death of Bryan Guthrie.The 21-year-old Guthrie was the top-ranked bull rider in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for three weeks last year. He was also the 2003 national junior bull riding champion.The night before his death, Guthrie used heroin with Walla, Murdoch and a confidential source, according to an affidavit signed by David Stevens, an officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities suspect he may have overdosed on the drug. The confidential source told investigators Murdoch, Walla and Tyson drove to Denver on Dec. 1 to buy heroin, and that Guthrie had pitched in $40 or $50.When they returned to Cheyenne, Tyson was dropped off at a trailer park, while Murdoch and Walla continued to Guthrie's house. Once there, the three men, along with the confidential source, used the heroin, according to the affidavit.The source said Murdoch had brought back 1.5 grams of heroin and about $50 of cocaine.In the morning, the source reported finding Guthrie slumped over on a bed. Medics transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The source identified Tyson as Cheyenne's main supplier of heroin, according to the affidavit. Another confidential source and Murdoch allegedly told investigators Epler also distributed heroin.Last month, a federal magistrate ruled Walla and Epler should remain held pending trial. If convicted, they face the possibility of 20 years to life behind bars and $1 million fines.

Notice of plea agreements for defendants Rhett Epler and Kyle Walla were listed

Monday on an online federal court records database. The documents themselves are not public.John Powell, a spokesman for the U.S Attorney...

Wayne Fletcher on Tuesday adamantly denied authorities’ claims they arrested an accused drug dealer and seized more than three kilograms of cocaine

Wayne Fletcher on Tuesday adamantly denied authorities’ claims they arrested an accused drug dealer and seized more than three kilograms of cocaine at his shop last week. And Fletcher was right, as Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators acknowledged the agency reported the wrong location where detectives arrested Jesus “Jesse” Guzman, 32, on federal cocaine trafficking charges. Also, during a raid of Fletcher’s shop, detectives found a marijuana joint, not large amounts of cocaine as originally reported, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Dennis Romano. No arrests were made at the shop. “It blew my mind when I saw that,” said Fletcher. “I have worked to build this place up. People come to me to work on their cars, but I don’t have anything to do with what they do in their lives.”Sheriff’s detectives raided Fletcher’s shop, Classic Customs, 2027 Whitfield Drive, after hearing Guzman and others discuss the shop while they were under investigation by federal and local authorities, Romano said. Romano said Fletcher’s shop came up so much throughout the investigation that detectives believed Fletcher may have been involved with Guzman. A couple of Guzman’s cars were seized during the raid at Fletcher’s shop. Detectives are still investigating whether they were purchased with drug money, Romano said. But it was a simultaneous raid by sheriff’s detectives and DEA agents on Guzman’s home in the 5500 block of Wingate Road in Myakka City, which netted more than three kilograms of cocaine and weapons. Guzman was later arrested at his parents’ house in Palmetto, Romano said.Guzman’s arrest was part of a two-year investigation by federal and local authorities into a drug ring in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Monday that Guzman, believed to be the leader of the ring, and 11 others had been indicted on federal weapons and drug charges. “He was pretty significant,” Romano said of Guzman. Fletcher told the Bradenton Herald on Tuesday he knew Guzman and worked on many of his cars, but had no knowledge of the accusations against him. “I can’t control what someone does. His money was green so I did work on his cars,” Fletcher said. Fletcher said sheriff’s detectives treated him well during the raid. “I have no problem with what they did that day,” he said. “I respect they have a job to do. I just want it known that he was not arrested here and I don’t know anything about any cocaine.”

Wayne Fletcher on Tuesday adamantly denied authorities’ claims they arrested an accused drug dealer and seized more than three kilograms of cocaine

Wayne Fletcher on Tuesday adamantly denied authorities’ claims they arrested an accused drug dealer and seized more than three kilograms of ...

Timothy R. Matson, 29, also known as Justin Mark, of Zanesville, entered guilty pleas to two counts of trafficking in heroin

Timothy R. Matson, 29, also known as Justin Mark, of Zanesville, entered guilty pleas to two counts of trafficking in heroin with a forfeitu...

Singer Pete Doherty has been arrested in Germany

Singer Pete Doherty has been arrested in Germany after allegedly throwing a bottle at a parked car window.Doherty, 30, was detained by polic...

convicted cocaine trafficker Jano C. Evans has been on the run since fleeing from a work release program in Tampa more than 22 years ago.

convicted cocaine trafficker Jano C. Evans has been on the run since fleeing from a work release program in Tampa more than 22 years ago.

Robert Pattinson has been caught up in another heroin scandal

Robert Pattinson has been caught up in another heroin scandal weeks after dismissing reports he overdosed in New York - U.S. government offi...

Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments

Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments after police responded to reports of a black male subject reportedly selling drugs near the entrance of the complex. Ellerbe was located by police sitting in a silver Buick SUV along with two female accomplices. New Castle Officers removed Ellerbe from the vehicle and discovered 12 bags of heroin on the floorboard of the vehicle; Ellerbe was then arrested without incident.Police report, the two female occupants were then removed the vehicle and detained while police conducted a search of the vehicle for additional drug paraphernalia.According to officials, during the course of the investigation it was discovered that one of the females had concealed two bags of crack cocaine in her underpants.Ellerbe and his accomplice, Desire Springfield, were charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and several other felony drug offense

Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments

Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments after police respon...

Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Despite having been unemployed for 19 years, a Proceeds of Crime investigation revealed he managed to buy two properties, took regular exotic holidays, owned a time share in Florida and was a member at an exclusive golf club. He was finally caught when police raided his two houses in Cedar Grove and School Road in June 2007 and found between £3,000 and £5,000 worth of the Class A drug stashed in a cash box in a garden shed. Bryning claimed officers planted the key to the box on his keyring during the raid, but electric scales with traces of cocaine and his DNA on were also recovered from Cedar Grove. After a five-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court he was found guilty by a majority verdict and sentenced to 66 months jail. Cheshire Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit began a complex Proceeds of Crime investigation into his finances and froze his assets to stop him from selling any possessions or removing money from his bank accounts. On Thursday, November 26, following a two day hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Fletcher concluded Bryning had benefited from crime and made a confiscation order for £127,438.95 to be paid within six months. If he fails, he will still owe the money and will have a further two years and two months added to his prison sentence. Insp David Snasdell of Winsford NPU, welcomed the news. He said: “We are committed to tackling drugs issues across Winsford and this case shows that it does not end with a prison sentence for convicted drug dealers. When they leave prison, they will not be able to return to the luxuries their life of crime previously afforded them.” Det Sgt Peter Kidd from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit added: “The proceeds of Crime Act allows the court to order the forfeiture of property or money that we have grounds to believe has come from criminal activity or is going to be used in criminal activity. “This case sends out the very strong message to anyone involved in drugs supply that crime certainly does not pay. “Not only do criminals run the risk of losing their liberty, but our Financial Investigation Unit will use powers available to them under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that those convicted of drug trafficking offences will be stripped of the profits they have made from crime.”

Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Desp...

Stephen Worthington, 30, of Alexander Close, Workington, and stephen Jackson, 31, of Westfield View, Flimby, will appear before West Allerdale

Stephen Worthington, 30, of Alexander Close, Workington, and stephen Jackson, 31, of Westfield View, Flimby, will appear before West Allerda...

Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by HM Revenue

Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by HM Revenue & Customs. He had concealed the drugs internally by swallowing a total of 103 packages containing the Class A drugs. The drugs are valued at around £45,000. Their value would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers and sold on local streets.Emeto was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency when he arrived by coach at Eastern Docks, Dover, on September 20. He had travelled from Belgium. A search of Emeto's luggage revealed cash of £2,050 in £50 notes and a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The cash has been detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.Malcolm Bragg, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "It never fails to amaze us that people take such huge risks with their health and freedom to try and make what they think is easy money. "However, we have succeeded through hard work, improved intelligence gathering and the ability of our team of expert officers to disrupt this latest attempt to bring Class A drugs into the area. "This shows yet again through closely working with our law enforcement partners we will catch and secure a prosecution against anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK."Emeto was sentenced to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.Mr Bragg added: "This is a serious offence which has a significant and damaging affect on all our communities and we would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods to contact us."

Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by HM Revenue

Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by ...

Jeffrey Moklak, 31, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook

Jeffrey Moklak, 31, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook

Vanessa Ruschmann, 53, of Somerville, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.

Vanessa Ruschmann, 53, of Somerville, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.

Mario Moklak Jr., 23, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.

Mario Moklak Jr., 23, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.

Jeffrey Welichko, 22, of Montgomery, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Oct. 7 in Bridgewater.

Jeffrey Welichko, 22, of Montgomery, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Oct. 7 in Bridgewater.

Aikeem J. Williams, 24, of Bridgeton is charged with official misconduct, possession of marijuana

Aikeem J. Williams, 24, of Bridgeton is charged with official misconduct, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to di...

Vincent Washington, 45, of 180 Wittum Ave., and Jay Washington, 60, of 38 Acorn St., were arrested following execution of a search warrant

Vincent Washington, 45, of 180 Wittum Ave., and Jay Washington, 60, of 38 Acorn St., were arrested following execution of a search warrant b...