FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— Nineteen alleged members of a drug trafficking ring based in Fort Walton Beach have been arrested following a multiagency investigation.
The arrests were announced by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office (SRCSO), Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), Fort Walton Beach Police Department (FWBPD), State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
The arrests are the result of a multiagency State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) investigation.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the significant results of this S.A.F.E. operation. The outcome with 19 arrests spotlights the benefits to our community achieved via law enforcement partnerships and teamwork,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
The complex multiagency operation began in January 2024 when the Fort Walton Beach Police Department requested FDLE’s assistance. The investigation reportedly revealed that the alleged drug trafficking ring was operating throughout Northwest Florida. As a result, both the SRCSO and OCSO were requested to join the investigations targeting suspects in their local regions. The FHP and DEA also assisted.
The following individuals were arrested:
- 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
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. Mr McLovich and Ms Majeau are also charged with homicide resulting from the distribution of controlled substances.
“The illegal distribution of fentanyl is devastating our community, leading to tragic and preventable deaths. Okaloosa and Escambia counties are among the highest in Florida for opioid overdose fatalities per capita,” said Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage.
“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.”
The investigations remain active.
