25 arrested in fentanyl bust across Tampa, Clearwater, and nearby cities

TAMPA, Fla. — Law enforcement authorities reportedly dismantled a fentanyl ring operating across Tampa Bay, resulting in the arrest of 25 individuals from Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, and surrounding areas.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Attorney General Ashley Moody, Tampa Police Department, and Clearwater Police Department announced the arrests as part of two joint SAFE (Statewide Attorney Funding for Enforcement) operations.

According to the announcement, the arrests targeted individuals in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties as part of ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal fentanyl activity through Florida’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program.

“Our office supported the implementation of SAFE grant funding last year to help law enforcement keep Floridians safe from illicit fentanyl—and today we are seeing this funding in action with the arrest of 25 members of a fentanyl ring in the Tampa Bay area,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.

The suspects are charged with multiple drug-related crimes, including trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, operating a drug house, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful use of a 2-way communication device.

On September 5, FDLE agents, along with officers from the Tampa and Clearwater Police Departments, executed 13 arrest and search warrants across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. Large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine were reportedly seized during the operation.

Authorities also reportedly seized approximately 250 pounds of precursor chemicals that could have produced nearly half a million counterfeit pills.

Below is a list of the defendants:

Jonathan Rivera, 36, Tampa

Daniel Mendoza, 28, Tampa

Victor George, Jr., 41, Largo

Frank Gutierrez, 32, Tampa

John Holmes, Jr., 39, Clearwater

Press Woods, 36, Tampa

Jon German, 35, Tampa

Stanley Wright, 47, Clearwater

Christopher Henderson, 37, Largo

Antonio Hayes, Jr., 34, St. Petersburg

Joshua Mote, 36, Tampa

Kyle Smith, 28, Largo

Alexander Cruz, 28, Oldsmar

Robert Robison, 41, Largo

Tristan Hilton, Jr., 34, Clearwater

Jermaine Thurman, Dunedin

Michael Butler, 30, Clearwater

Jarvis Long, 43, Clearwater

Claxton Boykin, 29, Clearwater

Anthony Bascomb, 37, Clearwater

Brandon Eastwood, 43, Clearwater

Carolyn White, 54, Dunedin

Danielle Carter, 25, St. Petersburg

Larry Carpenter, 34, St. Petersburg

Reginald Boone, Jr., 25, Palm Harbor

The Office of Statewide Prosecution, led by Attorney General Moody, will prosecute the case.

The SAFE program, implemented last year, provides resources and funding to law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations aimed at dismantling fentanyl distribution networks throughout the state.