21 busted in drug sweep

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

A lengthy investigation by the Suwannee County Drug Task Force has led to the arrest of 21 people on drug charges, Sheriff Tony Cameron said.

"We've been involved in a long term drug investigation with the use of confidential informants and drug buys," said Cameron. "We're glad it culminated and were able to get these criminals off the streets."

Cameron said 21 people were arrested. Nineteen of those arrests were made here in Suwannee County. One person, Janel Ortiz, was arrested in Maine on two trafficking charges. Joseph Keith Platt, was arrested in Lafayette County on charges of possession of methamphetamine and cocaine charges, said Cameron.

The drug bust rounded up the 21 over a few days. The investigation lasted about four months, said Cameron. He said his office is still seeking 21 others.

Arrested were:

Ezekiel Brown, 34, of 10672 CR 417 --

Three counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, three counts of sale of cocaine, possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, sale of cannabis.

Billie Joe Burnham, 39, of 1405 E. Duval St. --

Possession of oxycodone with intent to sell, sale of oxycodone.

Gary Bernard Calhoun, 51, of 14218 97th Lane --

Two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, two counts of sale of cocaine, two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Brenda Lee Carter, 38, of 405 NW Scriven Ave. --

Sale of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

Ronni Gayle Escobar, 35, of 302 Horne Ave. SW --

Trafficking in hydrocodone, unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Justin Ramon Freeman, 23, of 612 Irvin Ave. --

Sale of more than 20 grams of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a church, possession of more than 20 grams with intent to sell.

Stephen Michael Funicelli, 23, of 16400 185th Road, McAlpin --

Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, sale of cocaine, sale of cannabis.

Michael Lee Hubbard II, 26, of 15726 170th Place, McAlpin --

Manufacture of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rossie Laparis Jackson, 21, of 502 Church St. --

Two counts of sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church, two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

Lori Ann Lemaster, 33, of 12359 206th Terrace, O'Brien --

Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, sale or delivery of a controlled substance.

Ricky Gene Neveils, 40, of 9540 116th Place --

Possession of oxycodone with intent to sell, sale of oxycodone.

Larry Lee Owens, 53, of 218 Andre Davis St. --

Sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a child care facility, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Deandre Jajwan Perkins, 24, of 706 Webb Drive --

Sale of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of more than 20 grams with intent to sell.

Timothy Wayne Perry, 42, of 10660 CR 417 --

Two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, two counts of sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Carl Schel, 33, of 8585 150th St. --

Manufacture of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.

Eric Schel, 33, of 8585 150th St. --

Sale of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.

Jeffery Allen Stacy, 40, of 14218 121st Drive --

Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone) with intent to sell, sale of controlled substance (oxycodone) within 1,000 feet of a recreation facility.

Saione Williams, 28, of 916 Broome St. --

Sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a church, possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

One juvenile.

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