[Ocala Post has included the press conference video in its entirety. Start at 9:30 if you want to go straight to the Sheriff express his anger over illegal immigrant drug dealers on welfare. ]
Recently, Eric Holder and President Obama announced they want law enforcement agencies to be lenient on drug dealers and individuals arrested for drug offences. Eric Holder is calling for the review of records on individuals that are currently serving time for drug charges, and says he may want their sentences to be reduced or inmates released.
The Obama administration has also warned that illegal’s should not be deported, and be given the same benefits as United States citizens, something officials are not willing to abide by or tolerate.
Officials say it seems as though the Obama administration is going out of their way to release inmates that are currently or were previously in the drug business.
Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd is demanding answers. Sheriff Judd wants to know how an illegal Mexican — of whom is a convicted felon — was able to cross over the border making reentry into the United States, travel to Florida, then walk into a public assistance office where she was able to obtain welfare.
Sheriff Judd is calling for a federal investigation into why illegal’s and felons that deal in millions of dollars in drugs are able to get a free ride on law abiding citizens tax dollars.
Sheriff Grady Judd said, when certain individuals make national TV appearances and tell the public that drug dealers are not that bad or the offences are not that serious, they are not telling the truth.
Mississippi is currently invoking a state law that will require all welfare recipients to undergo drug testing. To take it one step further, anyone with a criminal history to include drug abuse or alcohol abuse may not even be eligible for public assistance of any kind.
Many Florida officials and legislators feel that Florida should follow Mississippi’s lead, however some residents are not convinced it is the right move and fear it will open the door for “profiling.” Experts say if a recipient has nothing to hide; then what would a welfare recipient need to be worried about?
As a result of an investigation that began October 2013, on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, Polk County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force detectives, along with members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Orlando District Office, Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives, identified 25 suspects involved in an organized drug trafficking enterprise.
Through their investigation, detectives and agents learned the organized methamphetamine crime ring was responsible for the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole Counties.
Investigators identified the organization’s source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: “El Don.” Flores resides in southern California and managed large scale methamphetamine shipments to Lakeland, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada through southern California from Mexico.
The organization included a network of couriers, managers, distributors and customers. In February, detectives intercepted a $200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier.
Investigators also learned Lopez and Flores consulted a Voodoo priest who would provide predictions, prophecies and readings regarding the organization’s decisions and welfare.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, investigators intercepted 44 pounds of methamphetamine at Love’s Truck Stop, 1800 Florida 559, in Polk City. The “uncut” street value of this amount is approximately $2 million, while the total distributed value is approximately $8 million. Also, on Tuesday, March 18th, detectives arrested 13 suspects, seized tens of thousands of dollars, seven vehicles, approximately 100 weapons, bullet-proof vests and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Two children, ages 1 and 3, were removed from a residence and placed into DCF custody.
Out of 25 suspects in the organization, 11 are currently receiving Federal/public assistance, and one suspect, Ma-Concepcion Lopez, that had previously been deported, is back in the United States illegally, and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
During the course of the investigation, detectives and agents learned two of those involved in the methamphetamine network were Josh Widdows, 30, of 5339 Meadow Grove Trail, Lakeland, and TJ Scott, 24, of 7708 Glen Meadow Drive, Lakeland.
Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010. At approximately 2:30 a.m, Friday, June 25, 2010, Deputies Mike Braswell and Paul Fairbanks were patrolling in the area of Plateau Avenue and Josephine Street in the Wabash area of unincorporated Polk County near Lakeland. There had been a number of burglaries in the area. During their encounter, Tutt pulled a gun from under his shirt and shot at both deputies.
Tutt was killed when deputies returned fire.
Now retired, Deputy Paul Fairbanks was shot three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot four times. Both deputies recovered.
Widdows and Scott bought Meth from Rojas and in turn were selling the meth on the streets of Polk County.
Detectives with served search warrants at the following addresses:
2322 View Way, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas’ residence)
10910 Sportsman Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas’ residence)
402 Wildlife Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas’ residence)
3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland – Joshua Widdows’ residence
3839 NW 1st NW Street, Lakeland – Tyler Scott’s residence
2015 Adair Road, Davenport – Rios residence
Arrested were:
Jose Luis Rios, 48, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 Grams – first degree felony mandating a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence.
Criminal arrest history: 1992-DUI; 2005-Cocaine Trafficking; 2006-Amphetamine or Meth 14 grams or over; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams, Keep a Public Structure for Burglary Activity and Paraphernalia.
Ma-Concepcion Lopez, 38, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland, claims she is married to Rojas. Lopez is charged with Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, a life felony; Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency, $100,000 or more, first degree felony; Possession of a Place or Structure used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, a second degree felony.
She has a prior conviction of Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine in 2006 – served 3 years in prison and then was deported. She is currently back in the U.S. and receiving Federal/assistance.
Luis Villafuerte Rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland. Rojas is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency $100,000 or more, Possession of a Structure Used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime, a third degree felony.
Rojas has prior convictions of: Assault on an Officer or Firefighter-1999. Criminal arrest history includes DUI-2000, DWLSR-2007, False name to a LEO- 2003, 2007. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Villafuerte Rojos was arrested at Love’s Truck Stop during the interception of the 44 pounds of Methamphetamine on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.
Joel Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, a first degree felony, mandating a three year minimum mandatory sentence; Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams; Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Tapia has Prior convictions of: Resist Officer W/O Violence- 2010. Criminal Arrest History includes Burglary; Grand Theft; Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting; 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief; 2004-Felony Criminal Mischief. Joel Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Debra Tapia, 50, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Possession of a Structure Used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Criminal Arrest History: Traffic Amphetamine, Possession with Intent, Possession over 20 Grams, Keep Structure for Drug Activity, Possession of Drugs-Equipment.
Debra Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Tara Tapia, 30, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 7-year minimum mandatory sentence, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, first degree felony mandating a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Criminal Arrest History: 2003-Burglary, Grand Theft, Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting, 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief and 2004- Felony Criminal Mischief.
Tara Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation.
Dioscelina Galaraza-Ozorio, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Criminal Arrest History: Assault, Battery on LEO, Resisting without Violence and Deprive Officer of Weapon , 2004 Cocaine possession w/intent to sell, Purchase Narcotics – 2007.
Alfredo Ortiz-Hernandez, 25, of 750 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, California is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in Meth over 200 grams, Trafficking in Meth over 200 grams.
Criminal Arrest History: DUI in 2013. Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth – he was arrested at Love’s Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.
Maria Widdows, 29, 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Joseph Workman, 52, of 18 West Bass Street Orlando, was arrested in Osceola County and charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Unlawful use of Two- Way Communication Device. (See Attachment for Criminal Arrest History)
Joseph Angelo Rinaldi, 34, of 10811 Sienna Drive Clermont was arrested in Osceola and charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful use of Two-Way Communication.
Rinaldi is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Criminal Arrest History: August 16, 1995 arrest for Retail Theft, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, November 20, 1995 arrest for Aggravated Battery and Retail Theft, by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, July 27, 1997 arrest for Failure to Appear, and Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License, by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, May 28, 2003 arrest for Battery, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, July 17, 2006 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine over 14 Grams, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While License Suspended, by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, May 29, 209 Criminal Registration, by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and October 3, 2013 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine Over 14 Grams, Child Neglect, Possession of a Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Eugenia Lopez, 29, of 402 Wildlife Trail Lakeland is charged with Possession of a Place or Structure being Used for the Sale of a Controlled Substance.
Wanted Suspects:
Javier Flores, between 35-40 years of age and known resident of California is wanted for Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency $100,000 or More, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Hugo Lopez Esquivel, 33, of 54 Pinetree Road Lawrenceville, Georgia is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency – $50,000 or More and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Eliezer Rodriguez Merced, 32,of 54 Pinetree Road Lawrenceville, Goergia is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency – $50,000 or More and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Joshua Widdows is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Joshua Widdows is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Tyler Scott is wanted for Possession of Methamphetamine, Sale of Methamphetamine and Own or Rent Structure for Knowingly Selling Drugs.
Demasco Candid Lugo, 30, of 908 Ruth Avenue, Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams.
Melinda Baker-Ruiz, 34, of 908 Ruth Avenue Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams.
Danielle Campbell, 26, of 9555 Kingsbury Court, Windermere is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Danielle Campbell is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Hector Sanyustiz, 30 ,of 1254 Westside Drive, Winter Garden, is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime.
Sanyustiz is currently receiving Federal/public assistance
Laura Caton, 35, of 2718 Sample Street, Kissimmee, Caton is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime’
Caton is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Jose Godoy, 22, of 1108 Powerline Road, Davenport; Godoy is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams.
Godoy is currently receiving Federal/public assistance.
Bryan Cumberbatch, 31, of 1541 Goodyear Avenue, Lakeland, is wanted for Possession of Methamphetamine, Sell Methamphetamine, Own or Rent Structure/Vehicle Known to Sell Drugs, a second degree felony and Possession/Use Narcotic Paraphernalia.
Sheriff Grady Judd promises that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization. He is pleased with the overall outcome of the investigation but wants answers.
We want to hear from you. Do you think Florida should drug test welfare recipients or prevent felons that have been convicted of alcohol or drug related offenses from receiving assistance?