The multi-agency drug task force known as BUSTED (Bradford, Union, Starke Taskforce for Eradicating Drugs) chalked up 12 additional arrests recently in sweeps held in both Bradford and Union counties.
The task force was formed through cooperation of the Bradford and Union County sheriff's offices and the Starke Police Department.
Officers from all three law enforcement agencies exchange information and cooperate on drug investigations. Each agency has one officer that is designated to work with the task force, but those designated officers can call on other personnel from each department to participate in arrest operations.
According to Bradford County Sheriff's Office Capt. Brad Smith, the task force provides the additional manpower that each agency needs in conducting arrest operations involving multiple suspects.
"That contributes to improved officer safety," he said. "In operations of this type, you need extra personnel that are not always available within your own department."
SPD Chief Jeff Johnson, Union Sheriff Jerry Whithead and Bradford Sheriff Gordon Smith have each pledged the cooperation they say will make BUSTED work. They stated that BUSTED's mission will be to maintain a constant pressure on the drug dealers and users in both counties.
Sheriff Whitehead said the six arrests that occurred in Union County on July 23 stemmed from a four-week undercover investigation that included all areas of the county.
Sheriff Whitehead, along with Sheriff Smith of Bradford County and Starke Police Chief Johnson, commented that the investigation has also identified doctors who in some cases willingly fill prescriptions to individuals that are known "doctor shoppers."
Whitehead said that the possession of illegal prescription drugs is a national problem and that his office was recently contacted by the U.S. Attorney General who is attempting to create a national database to assist local law enforcement in combating this problem.
"No family has been left untouched by this. It is an epidemic and we will continue to strike out at those in violation and try to work with the families of those affected and provide some outreach and counseling resources. It's not going to be solved overnight," Whitehead said.
The following people were arrested in the recent sweeps in Bradford and Union counties by task force officers:
* Ike Norman Bradford, 40, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with four counts of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and four counts of sale of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public park. Total bond was set at $200,000.
* James Lester Garland, 26, of Providence was arrested July 23 and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance.
* James Rodney Lucas Jr., 28, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with two counts of sale of a controlled substance and two counts of sale or possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area or facility. Total bond was set at $100,000.
* Jessica Shaquita Mayo, 25, of Lake Butler was arrested July 23 and charged with two counts of sale of a controlled substance. Total bond was set at $5,000 and she remained in jail as of press time.
* Calvin Martin Jr., 52, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with two counts of sale of a controlled substance and one count of possession or sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area or facility. Total bond was set at $75,000.
* Claude Whitehead Jr., 47, of Lake Butler was arrested July 23 and charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance.
* Paul A. McCloud, 41, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and delivery of crack cocaine. Total bond was set at $50,000.
* Ethan Etienne Anderson, 29, of Raiford was arrested July 23 and charged with possession, sale and delivery of narcotics.
* Truin Blye, 37, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with four counts of sale of a controlled substance, three counts of sale or possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area or facility and one count of resisting an officer with violence. Total bond was set at $205,000.
* Emanual Donny Starling, 19, of Lake Butler was arrested July 23 and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and dispensing medication without a license.
* Dustin Phillip Douglass, 24, of Starke was arrested July 16 and charged with two counts of sale of a controlled substance and two counts of possession or sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area or facility. Total bond was set at $100,000.
* John Andrew Slocum Jr., 27, of Lake Butler was arrested July 23 and charged with three counts of sale or delivery of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of marijuana.
* Mario Paul Sammartino III, 31, of Starke was arrested July 21 and charged with possession or sale of a controlled substance, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia and aggravated abuse. Total bond was set at $67,000.