Earlier this week, a group of 19 suspected fentanyl traffickers were arrested in the northwestern region of Florida.
““The Fentanyl epidemic, an urgent and indiscriminate threat, is dangerously pervasive,” FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “FHP is proud to be part of the effort to clear the streets of this poison, and, along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work together to protect our citizens by bringing to justice the criminals who sell it.”
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According to an official statement from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Offices, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announce the arrest of 19 drug traffickers operating in Fort Walton Beach. The arrests are the result of a multiagency State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) investigation.
The arrestees are:
Christopher Manuel Davis, 37, of Fort Walton Beach
Samantha Rosa Allen, 26, of Fort Walton Beach
Jessica Marie Barravecchio, 37, of Mary Esther
Sandra Alise Beard,42, of Fort Walton Beach
Eliot Maurice Bell, 38, of Crestview
Latasha Nicole Coleman, 38, of Destin
Leroy Figures, 72, of Fort Walton Beach
Te-Marro Delicia Gilbert, 34, of Crestview
Cecelia Michele Hill, 25, of Navarre
Amber Tamaura Jacobs, 33, of Kinston, Alabama
Curtis Shane Jarski, 53, of Fort Walton Beach
Keith Krone, 58, of Fort Walton Beach
Kimberly Sahe Lovelace, 40, of Mary Esther
Amy Ann Majeau, 34, of Fort Walton Beach
Andrew William McLovich, 40, of Fort Walton Beach
William Jensen Oonk, 45, of Fort Walton Beach
Ronald Wayne Phillips, 39, of Crestview
Marc Anthony Tisa, 41, of Santa Rosa Beach
Carrie Lynn Walker, 33, of Shalimar
“Fentanyl traffickers don’t care about our communities or about the devastation that blights families affected by this horrendous drug,” Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard said. “But we do. Every day, every night, FDLE and our law enforcement partners work around the clock to put an end to these drug trafficking organizations.”
The 19 suspects face drug sale/trafficking-related charges including trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and racketeering. McLovich and Majeau are also charged with homicide resulting from the distribution of controlled substances.
“I cannot overemphasize how important S.A.F.E. funding is for these complex fentanyl investigations,” FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said. “S.A.F.E funding and strong interagency partnerships are critical when combating drug trafficking organizations across the state.”
“We appreciate the agency cooperation that occurs here in the Panhandle,” Santa Rosa Sheriff Bob Johnson said. “We are stronger when we work together and this case is a perfect example.”
The complex multiagency operation began in January 2024 when the Fort Walton Beach Police Department requested FDLE’s assistance.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the significant results of this S.A.F.E. operation.” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said. “The outcome with 19 arrests spotlights the benefits to our community achieved via law enforcement partnerships and teamwork. Simply put, lives will be saved due to these joint efforts to put local drug traffickers behind bars.”
The investigation revealed that the drug trafficking ring was operating throughout Northwest Florida, and the Santa Rosa and Okaloosa county sheriff’s offices were requested to join the investigations targeting suspects in their local regions. The FHP and DEA also assisted. The investigations remain active.
“The illegal distribution of fentanyl is devastating our community, leading to tragic and preventable deaths,” Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage said. “Okaloosa and Escambia Counties are among the highest in Florida for opioid overdose fatalities per capita. We are grateful for the resources provided by the State of Florida through the S.A.F.E. initiative and for our strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Our comprehensive approach aims to combat the opioid epidemic by targeting suppliers and dealers while offering critical support and resources to those affected in our community.”
