Undercover operation began in September 2020
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has charged 13 people with more than 50 felony crimes related to selling or trafficking fentanyl and several other illicit drugs, the department announced on June 3.
In separate undercover events conducted beginning in September 2020, several individuals allegedly sold narcotics to Special Investigation detectives, who subsequently issued warrants for their arrests, a news release explains. “The transactions yielded substances such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription pills,” the release notes.
“In two cases,” the release adds, “suspects were charged with trafficking the deadly narcotics.”
With assistance from the office’s Tactical Unit and neighboring law enforcement agencies, detectives took each suspect into custody during a warrant sweep in mid-May, the release points out.
“Initiatives like these are crucial to disrupting the distribution of dangerous narcotics such as fentanyl and methamphetamine in our communities,” said Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman in the release. “This warrant sweep not only took drugs off the street but also sends a strong message that the Sheriff’s Office does not tolerate those supplying potentially lethal substances in Sarasota County,” Hoffman added in the release.
Altogether, deputies made 13 arrests and filed 52 charges, the release says. “Collectively, those arrested have 248 prior charges and 120 prior convictions.”
The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges pending, the release points out.
The following are the persons who are facing charges, the release notes:
- Shyheim Brown, 26, of 1351 23rd St., Sarasota, is charged with two counts of Sale of Fentanyl, and single counts of Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 Feet of a Child Care Facility and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. His total bond was set at $36,000, Corrections records show. He was released on bond on May 17.
- Lamont Brookins, 32, of 1875 24th St., Sarasota, is charged with two counts of Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 Feet of a School, and single counts of Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 Feet of a Church, Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Sell within 1,000 Feet of a School, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1,000 Feet of a School, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. His bond was set at a total of $51,500. He was released on bond on May 13, with arraignment set for June 18, Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division records show
- Chase Estes, 27, of 8717 Vamo Road, Sarasota, is charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell. His bond was set at $26,120 altogether, Corrections records note. He was released on bond on May 14.
- Lisa Gibson, 42, of 1350 File Ave., Unit 7, Sarasota, is charged with two counts of Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 Feet of a Church and a single count of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Her bond was set at a total of $41,500, Corrections records say. She remained in custody as of June 3.
- Darion Lazier, 31, of Bradenton, is charged with two counts of Sale of Fentanyl, and single counts of Possession of Fentanyl and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. His bond was set at a total of $18,000, Corrections records note. He was released on bond on May 11.
- Jason Lee, 45, of 1770 Kadashow Ave., North Port, is charged with Sale of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. He was taken into custody by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office on separate drug-related charges.
- Inna Osipov, 33, of 4859 Grobe St., North Port, is charged with Sale of Fentanyl. Her bond was set at $7,500, Corrections records show. She was to be transferred to Charlotte County jurisdiction, the records said, with arraignment set for July 9.
- Shawn Peterson, 34, of 3427 Brewster Road, North Port, is charged with Sale of Methamphetamine, Sale of Buprenorphine, Sale of Marijuana, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. The Sarasota News Leader was unable to find a Corrections Division record for Peterson.
- Cody Rayner, 27, of 1045 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, is charged with two counts each of Sale of Cocaine and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. The News Leader also was unable to find a Corrections Division record for Rayner.
- Ryan Segraves, 35, of 114 Kenwood Ave., Nokomis, is charged with Sale of Methamphetamine, Sale in Lieu of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Oxycodone, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device, and Obstruction. His total bond was set at $33,000 Corrections records note. He was released on bond on May 17.
- Oscar Trevino, 35, of 2857 Oak St., Sarasota, is charged with two counts of Sale of Methamphetamine, and single counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device and Violation of Probation. His bond was set at a total of $35,000, Corrections records note. He remained in custody as of June 3.
- Mack Williams, 68, of 2105 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, is charged with three counts of Sale of Hydromorphone, and single counts of Possession of Hydromorphone with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. His bond was set at $33,000 altogether, Corrections records note. He was released on bond on May 20.
- Joel Winchenbaugh, 40, of 2724 Hidden Lakes Blvd., Sarasota, is charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. His bond was set at $20,000, and he was released on May 18, Corrections records say.