Crimes and Courts
Attorney General James Uthmeier, FDLE, and Sheriff Mina Announce 19 Arrests in Major Drug Trafficking Bust
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Assistant Commissioner Lee Massey, and Orange County Sheriff John Mina held a joint press conference Tuesday at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, announcing the results of a major narcotics investigation known as ‘Operation Burn Baby Burn.’
19 individuals were arrested in connection to a large-scale drug trafficking ring, with law enforcement seizing over $1.5 million in illicit drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine.
The investigation began in September 2024 and uncovered that the organization was trafficking fentanyl from California and Mexico, and cocaine from Puerto Rico into the Central Florida region. The coordinated operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, working together to dismantle the dangerous network.
“Fentanyl is the most dangerous illicit drug we’ve ever seen. It can kill people in very small amounts, and it’s finding its way into families, into less severe drugs,” said Attorney General Uthmeier.
Sheriff John Mina emphasized the lethal nature of fentanyl and the importance of this takedown, noting the collaboration among law enforcement agencies statewide and across borders.
The investigation remains active, with authorities pursuing additional leads to prevent further trafficking activity in Florida.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
State Attorney Monique Worrell Responds to Court’s Denial of Bond for Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting Case
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement following the court’s decision to deny bond for Anthony Shea, a former deputy charged in connection with a fatal shooting.
Court’s Decision Reflects Seriousness of Charges
“The Court’s decision today to deny bond for Anthony Shea reflects the seriousness of the charges he faces,” Worrell said. Shea remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward in a case that has drawn significant public and law enforcement attention.
Honoring the Victim’s Life and Service
“Beyond the legal proceedings, this case is about honoring the life of a woman who dedicated herself to protecting others,” Worrell added. “This was a tragic loss of life that has deeply impacted the law enforcement community, as well as our circuit.”
Commitment to Justice
Worrell emphasized her office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is served. “We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim during this painful time. Our office remains steadfast in ensuring that her service, her sacrifice, and her memory are met with the justice they deserve.”
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
CLERMONT, Fla. (FNN) – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shocking case of property destruction in Clermont, where a suspect reportedly used heavy machinery to demolish part of a home and an SUV—then left behind a profanity-laced message on the side of the house.
Deputies responded to the scene near Pine Island and Montevista Roads around 7 a.m. Friday, where they found a home with multiple large holes in its structure and debris scattered across the property. A nearby SUV had its roof crushed and windows shattered, consistent with damage from heavy equipment, possibly an excavator.
One side of the home featured a message scrawled in large letters, including a person’s name followed by the phrase: “You [expletive] with the wrong girl.”
“It is heartbreaking to see a residence vandalized this way,” said Stephanie Earley, spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “We are actively investigating to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice.”
Authorities confirmed no injuries occurred and that no machinery was found at the scene upon their arrival. The motive appears personal in nature, but the case remains under active investigation.
Crimes and Courts
Drone, SWAT-Style Operation Shocks East Orange County Residents During Police Action
ORLANDO, FL (FNN) – “Florida National News was the first media outlet on the scene to capture a major law enforcement operation that unfolded Thursday morning in the Lake Pickett community of East Orange County, drawing the attention and concern of residents.”
Police Activity on Ithaca Way
At appoximately 11:00 a.m., multiple units from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office converged on a home located at 14044 Ithaca Way, Orlando. Deputies dressed in military-style tactical gear and body armor could be seen surrounding the property while issuing commands over a loudspeaker, instructing the occupants to exit the home.
An Orange County Fire Department unit was staged nearby as a precaution.
Drone Deployment and Suspect Detention
In a display of advanced law enforcement tactics, an Orange County Sheriff’s drone was deployed over the property, providing aerial surveillance as the situation developed.
Florida National News captured an known female temporarily detained in plastic white handcuffs before being escorted to speak with what appeared to be an undercover deputy nearby. Moments later, the woman was re-handcuffed — this time with standard sheriff-issued cuffs — and placed back into a marked patrol vehicle.
Crime Scene Secured
Authorities sealed off the property with crime scene tape, limiting access while deputies remained stationed at the residence.
At this time, the specific nature of the warrant being served and the details of the investigation have not been officially released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“Florida National News contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding the large law enforcement presence in the Lake Pickett community. In an email statement, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer confirmed that deputies were serving a search warrant in the area. No further details were provided.”
Stay Connected for Updates
This is a developing story. Stay connected with Florida National News (FNN) for updates as we receive more information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
