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.
The defendants already in custody are facing charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking. Among those arrested were a 41-year-old man, who was charged with the sale and possession of cocaine and fentanyl, and a 64-year-old man, who was charged with the sale and possession of oxycodone. A 26-year-old woman was charged with the sale and possession of cocaine, and a 19-year-old woman was charged with possession of marijuana. The 41-year-old man is being held in the Lee County Jail on a $30,000 bond, and the 19-year-old woman is being held on a $15,000 bond. The 64-year-old man was released on a $15,000 bond, and the 26-year-old woman was released on a $25,000 bond.
Individuals charged with drug crimes can face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. However, it may be possible to obtain a better outcome by retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney. The attorney could challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to get the charges dropped or reduced. For example, legal counsel could push for a first-time offender to complete a drug diversion program instead of going to jail.