SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

TWO LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS AWARDED PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM MULTI AGENCY INVESTIGATION THAT YIELDED 23 ARRESTS, DRUGS, GUNS, CASH AND VEHICLES

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office has awarded two local police departments a portion of the financial proceeds that were seized during a lengthy investigation related to a large conspiracy involving the distribution of cocaine. During the investigation, 23 suspects were arrested on State or Federal Charges. The investigation began in 2005 and approximately 10,000 man hours were spent involving this investigation. The group of suspects was believed to be responsible for at least six drive-by shootings, where at least three people were shot, one kidnapping, and several home invasion robberies. On May 16, 2006, numerous search warrants were conducted at different locations, revealing powder cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and Ecstasy, some of which was packaged for sale. The narcotics seized hold a street value of approximately $100,000.00. During the undercover investigation, approximately 20 ounces of cocaine were purchased. 14 weapons were also seized, to include handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, and sawed-off shotguns. 22 vehicles belonging to the suspects were also seized, as well as numerous other items including furniture, appliances, and electronics believed to be purchased with money obtained through illegal means. $33,700.00 in currency was also seized. Since the investigation has been concluded, all of the suspects involved have faced federal or state prosecution and are currently serving sentences in prison.

Gulf Breeze Police Department and Milton Police Department have each received a check for $8,404.00. Sheriff Hall would like to thank these agencies for their assistance and participation in the investigation.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net