Drug Crimes

Published on: April 15, 2014

Ocala Drug Manufacturing Defense Lawyer :: Marion County Sheriff’s Office Allegedly uncovers 212 Grams of Meth from Ocala Home

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Marion County sheriff’s deputies allegedly removed 212 grams of methamphetamine Thursday from a house in the 100 block of Southwest 87th Place south of Ocala.

The discovery was apparently made when the caretaker of the home arrived to drop off some mail, according to a MCSO report. The owner of the house does not live at the home.

Deputies claim that when the owner opened the back door of the property, he saw someone run into the front bedroom. The man told police that he confronted the person, who apparently told him that someone else was in the camper in the backyard.

The property owner allegedly witnessed a man in the camper cooking meth. The caretaker called 911, and the man in the camper fled.

The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team arrived at the scene and reported finding 212 grams of meth in paint cans.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

Also known as “crystal meth,” “crank,” “ice” or “chalk,” methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that is not only extremely dangerous, but one which has grown increasing popular in Florida and throughout the United States. Florida law enforcement and prosecutors combined have recently cracked down on those who produce meth or maintain a meth lab because of the potential danger of the drug and the side effects, which can be fatal.

Characteristically, the term manufacturing brings to mind visions of large scale factory-type operations that generate massive quantities of illegal drugs. However, meth labs are actually extremely portable, so much in fact, that most labs can fit inside the trunk of a car. Trailers, campers and even motel rooms have become popular locations for meth lab operations.

Whether you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, manufacturing, trafficking or distributing methamphetamines can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Pleading guilty to manufacturing charges or simply relying on a public defender is never a good idea when decades of your freedom are on the line and the stakes are this high. A Drug Crimes Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can relentlessly challenge every angle of the prosecution’s case against you. We can challenge the arrest, the search, the seizure and any warrants and statements.

Published on: April 7, 2014

Miami-Dade County Federal Criminal Lawyer :: South Florida Pill Mill Doctors Sentenced to Prison by U.S. Federal Judge

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

On Friday, a federal judge sentenced a south Florida doctor to more than six years in prison for her involvement in writing prescriptions for thousands of painkillers to addicts and drug dealers.

She was convicted of money laundering.

In July of 2013 a jury acquitted the 43-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man on charges that their roles in a chain of South Florida pain clinics led to the deaths of nine patients. They both faced up to life in prison and $2 million in fines.

The doctors and their defense team fought to prove that they were unaware of the conspiracy and were practicing medicine in line with state standards, which allow licensed physicians to dispense opioid pain pills without fear of punishment.

However, the jury convicted the pair of money laundering for their role in the “pill mill” scheme.

A U.S. District Judge sentenced the female doctor to 78 months in prison, while the man received 18 months. Both must also pay $10,000 in fines.

The woman’s lawyer says they plan to appeal the conviction.

The two doctors’ trial ended a four-year operation that targeted a slew of South Florida pain clinics that resulted in racketeering charges against 32 people in 2010.

The clinics owner is currently serving more than 17 years in prison and his brother and co-owner is serving more than 15. Both brothers testified on the government’s behalf.

At one point in time Florida had 90 of the top 100 oxycodone-purchasing physicians in the nation and 53 of the top 100 oxycodone-purchasing pharmacies.

The majority of these pills were pushed up the East Coast and sold at high markups in rural communities reaching from northern Alabama to western Pennsylvania. Interstate 95 was actually nicknamed Oxy Alley by dealers who frequently drove hundreds of miles to South Florida to buy cheap pain pills.

Florida law enforcement has been trying hard to crack down on the epidemic of prescription drug abuse within recent years. However, the restriction on painkillers has led to more heroin abuse.

Deaths from heroin rose 89 percent in Florida, from 62 in 2011 to 117 in 2012, according to a report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to reports, the heroin problem in south Florida has reached epidemic proportions.

Money laundering is a very serious federal crime that entails taking unlawfully obtained money and working to incorporate it so it appears to come from a lawful source. In general, money laundering involves a string of various financial transactions and multiple bank accounts. Today’s technology only makes these cases that much more complex, oftentimes complicating paper trails and making many Internet transactions harder to trace.

Published on: March 3, 2014

Polk County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Two Busted for Operating Marijuana Grow House in Polk County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Polk County detectives allegedly discovered 15 pounds of bagged marijuana in a grow house operation inside a barn in Frostproof last month.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office claim they received a tip about starved animals on the property. They apparently went to check out the site and found 37 pot plants growing inside a barn. They also found high intensity grow lights and grow light hoods, electric ballasts, air conditioners, air filters, plastic pots used for cannabis cultivation and cannabis stalks and roots.

They also located five horses on the property and determined that the animals were not malnourished or abused, however, did need improved care. The animals were turned over to a family member.

Detectives decided to check out the mobile home on the property where they apparently uncovered a 30-30 rifle and two 357 magnum handguns.

Detectives arrested a 49-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.

The pair has also been accused of stealing electricity to run the barn.

Both were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail.

Charges in illegal marijuana cultivation cases are based on the number of plants captured by law enforcement officers. Most grow houses contain large quantities of marijuana plants and processed marijuana, so you could be facing serious felony charges that carry substantial prison time. Additionally, police tend to seek asset forfeitures when it comes to drug crime cases, so you could also be looking at frozen bank accounts, the loss of cash and even your home.

Published on: February 5, 2014

Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Former FDLE Crime Lab Analyst Charged with Evidence Tampering

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 32-year-old former Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime lab analyst was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft, 12 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and nine counts of trafficking illegal drugs.

Investigators allege the man replaced prescription pain pills with over-the-counter medications while processing drug cases.

The former Pensacola crime laboratory chemist is currently free on bond.

If you or someone you know or love has been charged with tampering with evidence in Hernando, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Pasco or Sumter counties, a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can make sure you know what to expect from your case.

The man was arrested at the Escambia County Jail around 6:30 p.m. His bail was set at $290,000.

FDLE agents claim that since 2006 the accused processed 2,600 cases that crossed 35 counties in Florida, including Hernando, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Pasco and Sumter. On Monday, 80 agencies were alerted of the alleged tampering.

St. Cloud police said that they are reviewing 16 cases from several years ago that could be linked to this case.

The investigation apparently began Thursday, Jan. 30 when Escambia investigators noticed that there were prescription pain pills missing from the evidence locker room.

The accused was relieved of duty Friday, Jan. 31 and issued his resignation Monday asking the agency to issue any money owed to him.

According to the FDLE, additional charges could be filed pending the results of this ongoing investigation.

These charges are undoubtedly serious. If convicted of tampering with evidence, this could remain on your criminal background for the rest of your life. Despite the circumstances surrounding your case, by being accused of this crime, you run the risk of being permanently labeled someone who destroyed or concealed evidence. Because of the severity of the charges, you must make sure and give tampering with evidence charges the attention they deserve.

Published on: January 30, 2014

Lee County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Police Bust Cape Coral Grow House

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Cape Coral police took down a marijuana grow house in a NE Cape Coral neighborhood on Wednesday, allegedly seizing more than 57 pounds of raw marijuana and $13,000 in cash.

Police responded to the residence after LCEC personnel discovered that electrical power was being illegally diverted to the residence.

As officers stepped onto the premises, they claim they could smell the odor of raw marijuana coming from the front of the house.

A total of 57.3 pounds of cannabis was seized along with $13,000 in US currency from a Cape Coral grow house.

Detectives executed a search warrant and notified the resident inside the home.

Detectives allegedly uncovered a fully operational grow house inside the home.

A total of 57.3 pounds of cannabis was seized along with $13,000 in US currency, according to reports.

The investigation revealed that a woman rented the home for the explicit purpose of cultivating cannabis and was paid by a 3rd party to maintain the crop, according to police.

The woman was arrested on multiple charges and transported to the Lee County Jail.

Even though marijuana has been legalized in many states, the state of Florida still criminalizes the possession of this popular recreational drug. The state of Florida has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the country, and anyone convicted of a marijuana-related offense can face jail or prison time, extensive fines and other consequences such as a driver’s license suspension. Florida’s marijuana laws are harsh, which is why you cannot take these charges lightly. You need the help of a criminal defense lawyer to fight aggressively for a positive outcome.

Published on: January 10, 2014

Ocala Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Two Men Charged with Trafficking Cocaine and other Drug Charges

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Police arrested two men on Thursday for allegedly trafficking cocaine and a slew of other charges following a routine traffic stop.

Members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Investigations Unit apparently witnessed a driver not utilizing proper signals in the 4000 block of West State Road 40. Police claim the vehicle was weaving, swerving and crossing the fog line multiple times. Detectives pulled the driver over in the 7000 block of the highway and allegedly seized drugs and firearms.

According to officials, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car and that one of the occupants seemed nervous. The men were asked to exit the vehicle.
While authorities were searching a 28-year-old Ocala man they allegedly found two clear plastic bags containing marijuana, according to the arrest report.

Detectives claim they recovered two loaded firearms and 42 grams of cocaine from inside the vehicle. Reports indicate that one of the guns found, a Springfield Armory Model XD, had been reported stolen.

The Ocala man told a detective he had purchased the Springfield for $140. He apparently denied ownership of the second gun, an H&R Inc. Gardner Model 632, or the cocaine.

The man was charged with trafficking cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

The driver of the car, a 19-year-old Ocala man, was also was arrested. He was charged with armed trafficking of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and carrying a concealed weapon.

Trafficking cocaine is classified as a felony in Marion County and throughout the state of Florida. Police and prosecutors usually seek maximum sentences in drug trafficking cases. In order to obtain a conviction, prosecutors do not have to actually prove that the defendant intended to sell or distribute cocaine, just that there was enough of the drug in the person’s possession that could indicate it was to be sold. This is an offense that is not taken lightly and the penalties attached could significantly impact your future, and not for the better.

Published on: December 26, 2013

Alachua County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Gainesville Kindergarten Teacher Arrested on Drug Charges

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An Alachua County kindergarten teacher was arrested last week after police allegedly found a pound of marijuana in her home.

Police claim they uncovered the marijuana throughout several rooms of the woman’s home, according to an arrest report.

Police allegedly found hash oil stored in their freezer as well as paraphernalia such as grinders, a scale, a heat sealer and rolling papers.

The woman and her 27-year-old husband had a 28-year-old California man visiting their home at the time police entered with a search warrant. The man apparently told police that all of the cannabis found in the living room of the house was his.

All three residents of the home were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. The woman and her husband were additionally charged with keeping a shop or vehicle for drugs.

All three were released Sunday from the Alachua County jail on $1,000 bond.

The marijuana charges this woman faces could lead to a felony conviction that can carry consequences of up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. It is important to understand that possession with intent to sell can be charged whether or not the person sold an illegal substance. All it takes for police to tack on this charge is for there to be a large quantity of drugs in someone’s possession that is deemed too much for personal use.

Drug charges are no laughing matter, and no matter the type of felony charge, a conviction can leave a permanent stain on someone’s personal record. This can interfere with your personal and professional reputation in the future and close the door on lots of opportunities. Even after serving a prison sentence, a person previously convicted of a felony can face hardships obtaining suitable housing, employment and even loans.

Published on: December 4, 2013

Lake County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: ‘Operation Dog Pound’ Nets 38 Suspected Crack Cocaine Dealers across Lake County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested nearly 40 suspected dealers and suppliers across the county last month in a drug bust dubbed “Operation Dog Pound.”

Tips from everyday citizens apparently started the initial investigation.

According to Lake County detectives, 38 men and women were arrested for their involvement in the supply and sale of cocaine and crack.

Many of the complaints came from residents in the Umatilla area about the sale of cocaine taking place in their neighborhoods, according to investigators.

The investigation began in October and ended in early November.

More than $100,000 worth of cocaine was allegedly taken off the streets, most of it in Umatilla, Mount Dora and Eustis.

According to detectives, no drug network was uncovered, however a few key suppliers were found to have sold powdered cocaine to street level dealers who made it into crack.

Authorities believe more arrests will follow.

Drug charges are aggressively pursued on both the state and federal level and carry very harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that involve prison time. These charges should never be taken lightly as the sale and delivery of drugs in Florida is a second-degree felony. The sale and delivery of cocaine carries very heavy penalties. However, there are valid defenses to these types of drug charges. No matter the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you may be able to beat your case. A Lake County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can make sure your rights are protected and that you fully understand all of your legal options.

Just because you were arrested for a serious drug crime does not mean you have been convicted of the offense. It is never in your best interest to just plead guilty before speaking to a criminal defense attorney. Many people arrested for drug crimes fail to take action by hiring a lawyer and end up missing out on opportunities to have their case dismissed, reduced or even dropped. Think twice before pleading guilty or accepting a plea deal with prosecutors for probation. A conviction on your permanent record can cause many problems in both your personal and professional life down the road.

Published on: November 21, 2013

Lee County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Florida Rep. Trey Radel Arrested on Cocaine Possession Charges

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Republican U.S. Rep. Trey Radel of Fort Myers pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of cocaine on Wednesday morning. He also stated that he would be taking a leave of absence from his position to get treatment.

According to a Washington, D.C., court document, on Oct. 29, Radel “did unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally possess a quantity of cocaine, a controlled substance.”

This misdemeanor drug charge carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and or a fine of $1,000.

Radel, 37, was arrested after buying cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer, according to a Drug Enforcement Administration official.

According to authorities and court documents, Radel and an acquaintance went to a restaurant in the Dupont Circle area of Washington and met a man on Oct. 29, who was an undercover police officer. Radel allegedly said he had cocaine at his apartment and invited the men to join him, but both apparently declined his offer.

The undercover officer apparently offered to sell Radel 3.5 grams of cocaine for $250. Radel allegedly paid $10 more for the drugs, for reasons the documents do not explain, and left with the cocaine.

Federal agents then approached Radel, and he dropped the drugs in the street.

Radel issued this statement in court Wednesday, “I apologize for what I’ve done. I think in life I’ve hit a bottom where I need help.”

Radel is a former TV anchor whose lawful name is Henry Jude Radel III. He was elected in 2012 to the seat Connie Mack IV had occupied before.

Former U.S. Rep. Mack issued this statement:

“This is undoubtedly a very difficult time for Trey and his family and I’m sure all of us in Southwest Florida are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. It is important that we all appreciate the very personal nature of Trey’s situation and understand that it is premature to respond to or consider political questions at this time.”

Had Radel been arrested in Florida he would have faced a felony for this charge, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The war on drugs by state and federal agencies is nothing new, and those convicted of violating drug laws will undoubtedly be targeted by law enforcement officers and prosecutors alike, and usually punished to the fullest extent of the law in court. State and federal statutes ban the use, possession, distribution and manufacture of any and all illegal drugs. A person that is believed to take part in such illegal activities will be charged with a drug crime.

Published on: November 20, 2013

Lee County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Two Men Arrested for Selling Synthetic Marijuana at Convenience Stores in Fort Myers

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two Fort Myers men were arrested at the end of last month and charged with selling synthetic marijuana at two convenience stores.

One of the men, 18, was charged with four counts of sale and possession of a synthetic narcotic after Fort Myers police claim he sold the illegal substance, commonly referred to as “spice,” to an undercover agent at a Sunoco convenience store.

The other man, 47, faces one count of sale and possession of a synthetic narcotic for allegedly selling to an undercover agent at the Super Stop Food Store. Police believe the man is in the country on an expired work visa. According to reports, a hold has been placed pending a federal hearing.

Police said they are looking for another suspect from another store that has yet to be arrested.

The arrest of these men follows an undercover sting that took place in early October that resulted in the seizure of more than $1 million in synthetic marijuana from stores across Lee County. That undercover drug bust led to the arrest of several store clerks.

The state of Florida has made the sale and use of synthetic marijuana products illegal for several reasons. While the ingredients found in synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, are not made from actual cannabis leaves, these substances are used to produce the same effects as using marijuana. It can cause many of the same symptoms, but if used for a prolonged period of time, this drug can also cause acute psychosis. Other dangers associated with using this drug include an intensified likelihood of developing a chronic psychotic disorder.