Fort Lauderdale Criminal Law Blog

On Nov. 2, Florida authorities arrested a Sweetwater City Commission candidate on suspicion of trafficking drugs. He was taken into custody at his home in Sweetwater.

According to media reports, a confidential source told agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that the candidate, age 29, may be involved in a cocaine trafficking ring. During the ensuing investigation, authorities also linked two other male defendants, ages 24 and 60, to the ring.

Police claim that a 39-year-old Florida man tried to dispose of cocaine by flushing it down a toilet when detectives arrived at his Sarasota home on Oct. 11 to execute a search warrant. The man was taken into custody at the scene on drug possession and trafficking charges and was released the following day after posting a $50,000 bond.

SCSO detectives say that they saw the man run from the bedroom of his Claude Lane home to a bathroom on the other side of the residence when they arrived with a search warrant. After gaining entry to the residence, detectives are said to have found the man kneeling next to a toilet with wet hands and surrounded with a white powder that was later identified as cocaine. During the ensuing search, police say that they recovered more evidence of drug sales including $16,730 in cash wrapped in rubber bands and hidden under a blanket in a closet.

In late September and early October, Lee County authorities arrested 32 people for allegedly taking part in various drug crimes. The crimes reportedly involved opioids and other illicit substances.

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the arrests were the culmination of a two-month investigation called Operation Fall Frenzy. In addition to the arrests, large amounts of illegal drugs were recovered during the operation, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine. The investigation is not yet complete. At least 12 other arrest warrants have been issued for individuals accused of dealing drugs in Lee County.

Due to the alleged misconduct of a sheriff's in a neighboring county of Tallahassee, Florida, a number of convicted prisoners have been set free. The purported actions of the officer in question have led to an investigation by both state and county law enforcement agencies. The investigation could lead to the dismissal of current charges against other defendants as well as the release of further prisoners.

The investigation stems from allegations that the deputy 'planted" evidence during traffic stops. The issue began during the review of the officer's body cam footage during a stop. According to those who witnessed the tape, is appears the officer held a small package in his left hand. Later, he claimed to have discovered a similar looking package containing methamphetamines while searching the suspect's vehicle.