CLAY HILL, FL – Illegal drugs are not specific to just one community. In our community, however, more than 20 local organizations and agencies are collaborating to break the cycle and help families affected by drug addiction. Operation Hammer and Hope combines focused enforcement efforts against drug dealers, with dozens of free wrap-around services to Clay Hill and Middleburg families struggling with addiction issues. We hope this free event will be the first of an ongoing partnership and community outreach effort.

Illegal drug use creates a cycle of crime and broken families. Hammer and Hope aims to combat those issues – through both enforcement and resource deployment to Clay County families living in the Middleburg and Clay Hill areas.

HAMMER

Beginning in January with the reorganization of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Michelle Cook and her leadership team did a deep dive on the drug issues in our county and discussed strategies on how to best combat them. They reorganized the agency’s Narcotics Unit to include leaders with extensive experience in investigations and tasked them with an intensified mission to focus on the people dealing drugs in Clay County.

The efforts in this operation included targets within the entire county, but the strategy specifically focused on Clay County communities most in need. Based on investigative intelligence and a recognized need, the Clay Hill and Middleburg areas became the focus. As part of Operation Hammer and Hope, more than 40 people have been charged, and CCSO deputies executed three search warrants. The illegal activity of all these suspects can be traced back to the Clay Hill and Middleburg areas. There were more than 100 charges from these cases, including over 80 felonies. Those drug-related charges include offenses like trafficking, sale and delivery, and intent to distribute. CCSO deputies seized more than a dozen types of illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. These are the same drugs that have led to so many overdose cases and heartbreak for Clay County families.

Since January first, CCSO deputies have made more than 500 drug-related arrests. There have been 23 confirmed overdose deaths in Clay County during that timeframe as well. Five additional deaths are pending confirmation from the medical examiner’s office. Most of those deaths were in the Clay Hill and Middleburg areas.

“Drug dealing in Clay County will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Cook said, “If you’re a drug dealer, understand we have a highly trained and professional team of patrol deputies and detectives who love our community and will not allow you to prey on our children and families.”

HOPE

On Friday, more than 20 local agencies will bring free wrap-around services to individuals and families in the Clay Hill and Middleburg area. The event will be at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9-2. We encourage individuals dealing with addiction, including family members and friends, to stop by and take advantage of the dozens of free comprehensive services being offered, including a no-questions-asked drug drop-off and resources for help with addiction and other family issues. Since the beginning of the year, the CCSO has partnered with Clay County Fire Rescue and supported the agency’s paramedicine program, which is one of the services that will be provided on Friday. “For those ready to start the recovery process from opioid addiction, the Community Paramedicine Program offers daily in-person dosing of medication-assisted treatment in the form of Buprenorphine to qualified clients,” CCFR Battalion Chief Glenn East said, “Clients are also connected to a Recovery Peer Specialist for additional support and follow-up care with Clay Behavioral.” Anyone who cannot make it to the event can call 904-284-7703 24 hours a day to get assistance with opioid addiction treatment.

“Drugs don’t just affect one person. They cause crime, and that creates additional victims. They hurt parents, siblings, spouses, and most of all, our children,” Sheriff Cook said, “We know we can’t arrest our way out of this problem, but enforcement will always be one important tool in the battle against drugs in our community. We also know we must do something to help those with an addiction who need help breaking that cycle. This event on Friday is where we start in Clay County.”

 

Below is a list of the suspects facing charges as part of Operation Hammer and Hope. Also below is a list of services and organizations that will be included in Friday’s event.

 

 

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will provide a drug education display to educate parents and caregivers. The agency will also have a no questions asked drug take back. Our Community Affairs deputies will be on hand to answer community questions or concerns and provide information.

 

 

Clay County Fire Rescue Community Paramedicine is proud to be working with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths in Clay County. We will be providing medication-assisted treatment to assist anyone who wants help getting off opioids. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery.

 

 

The Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office, under the direction of Tara S. Green, will help families get their lives back on track. Individuals sentenced and fined due to drug-related crimes, along with the loved ones impacted by the offender’s addiction and incarceration, can get help with common associated problems. Onsite event services will include E-Notify (court date notification), information about injunctions (domestic violence), Baker Acts (mental health), and Marchman Acts (substance abuse), plus hard-copy or online forms needed for services, payment plans, and eligibility/case review.

 

Clay Action Coalition’s mission is to prevent and reduce substance misuse among Clay County youth and adults through increased education and collaboration. At the Hammer and Hope event, we will provide Deterra Drug Disposal packets for at-home use, information highlighting safe alternatives to opioid use for pain management, and other prevention education materials. We will also have Narcan kits available to community members who wish to have them.

 

Clay Behavioral Health Center supports the sheriff’s efforts and is happy to partner with law enforcement and other community stakeholders to continue mental health and substance use treatment. We will have Narcan, treatment information, handouts, and clinical staff available for consultation.

 

Impact Clay will help individuals and families by linking private, public, nonprofit, and faith-based services in Clay County.

 

The Way Free Medical Clinic will provide information on free basic primary medical care to uninsured Clay County residents, including diagnostics, labs, medication, patient education, prenatal and OB care for pregnant women, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory specialty care.

 

The Clay County Tax Collector will provide an onsite consultant to assist the Clay Hill / Middleburg community with navigation through the sometimes-difficult task of reinstating a driver’s license. Consultants will take the time to help individuals chart a path towards reinstatement and complete this important step in the journey to normalcy.

 

Kids First of Florida will provide information on resources and referrals to assist at-risk children and families impacted by abuse and neglect.

 

The Quigley House will provide information on survivor domestic violence and sexual assault services, 24-hour helpline services, emergency shelter, outreach advocacy services, crisis intervention, crisis counseling for adults and their children, for both women and men.

 

Clay County District Schools Police Department exists to protect and serve CCDS students, staff, and families. Chief Wagner will be onsite to talk and answer any questions about the upcoming school year regarding safety and security. CCDS Police will also have a variety of giveaways.

 

Department of Health in Clay will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations, education on unintentional injury prevention, family planning, STD education, and resources for the WIC program. The Opioid Prevention Coordinator will be available to provide education on opioids, prescribing guidelines, and safe medication disposal.

 

Mercy Auto will be on hand, giving access to self-sustainability through reliable transportation. Mercy Auto provides reliable transportation and repairs at an affordable price to the people of Clay County.

 

The Florida Department of Children and Families will provide a wide variety of services. You can find out more about how DCF’s programs and services can help families of those battling addiction at MyFLFamilies.com.

 

Operation Barnabas provides hope, encouragement, and mentorship to at-risk veterans and first responders through outreach and resources in a swift and timely manner.

 

Wolfson Children’s Hospital advocates for children while reaching beyond the hospital walls to promote safe and healthy childhoods for all kids.

 

River Christian Church has a Celebrate Recovery Program that offers healing to those who are experiencing grief, depression, sexual abuse, and loneliness. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place where people can find acceptance, friendship, and no judgment.

 

First Baptist Middleburg offers food and clothing to those in need through the Agape House Ministry.

 

The Supervisor of Elections Office is responsible for conducting federal, state, and local elections in Clay County. The Elections Office’s goals are to enhance public confidence through accurate elections, to provide voter registration opportunities, and to educate and encourage civic participation through voter outreach programs and community events. The Elections Office is the source for verified election information and is dedicated to serving the voters of Clay County.

 

Groups Recover Together is a mission-driven medical practice that aims to increase access to affordable, evidence-based treatment for Opiate Use Disorder. Our focus is to bring services to communities that have been hardest hit by the epidemic. Our clinical model combines three pillars:
–       Evidence-based medicine, specifically medication-assisted treatment with Buprenorphine;
–       Community, formed through weekly group therapy led by licensed counselors; and
–       Holistic care, including care coordination to address other mental/physical health needs and social determinants.

 

ARRESTS FROM OPERATION HAMMER AND HOPE

 

1. Timothy James Middleton, W/M, 03/12/1988 –

         2021003222, 2021004866, 2021009260         

Sale & Delivery of Cocaine

• Unlawful use of 2-way communication device x2:

(3)        Possession of Crack & Paraphernalia:

 

2. Sheila Bryant Butler, W/F, 09/14/1962 – 

         20200030424, 2021000585  

(1) Sale & Delivery of Cocaine x2:

 

3. Christopher Lee Hasten, W/M, 08/20/1980 –

         2021009381, 2021008085 

(1) Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine x2:

 

4. Loretta Jenena Dyal, W/F, 01/15/1969 –

         2021011105  

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful use of 2-way communication device:

 

5. Michael Shawn Lanford, W/M, 03/20/1984 –

         2021010371

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful use of 2-way communication device:

 

6. Adrian Antonio Battle, B/M, 03/12/1986 –

         2021001925, 2021001153 

• Sale & Delivery of Cocaine
• Sale and Delivery of MDMA:

 

7. Edgar Tracy Pierre, B/M, 09/12/1982 –

         2021003135 

• Possession of Prescription Drug without a valid Prescription:

 

8. Kenneth David Clifton Jr., W/M, 05/13/1979 –

         2021006476  

• Possession of Methamphetamine:

 

9. Deandre Rashad Hartley, B/M, 10/13/1998 –

        2020017055   Detained (Duval County Jail)

• Sale & Delivery of Cocaine:

 

10. Benjamin Stephen Anthony Fleming, W/M, 01/03/1997 – 

         2021007765    

• Tamper w/ Evidence, Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:

 

11. Terry Lee Jones Jr., W/M, 07/20/1984 –

         2021004890       

• Possession of Controlled Substance x2
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• DWLSR:

 

12. Bryan Richard Harvey, W/M, 11/14/1985 –

          2020000642  – Detained (DOC)

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine:

 

13. Tara Autumn Trimble, W/F, 10/13/1982 –

         2020010754    Detained (Duval County Jail)

• Sale & Delivery of Fentanyl:

 

14. Joseph Lee Lunsford, W/M, 02/22/1968 –

         2020028815, 2020027498 

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine x2
• Sale & Delivery of Fentanyl:

 

15. Candy Ann Yates, W/F, 12/25/1971 –

         2021010192  Detained (Duval County Jail)

• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:

 

16. Marty Wayne Povlitzki, W/M, 10/03/1978 –

         2019025740      

• Trafficking in Methamphetamine:

 

17. Megan Takara Howell, W/F, 06/20/1984 –

          2021003832    

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine:

 

18. Elizabeth Ellen Carlisle, W/F, 10/01/1989 –

         2020014917      Detained (Duval County Jail)

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine:
• FTA by Zoom – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:

 

19. Richard Doyle Keene, W/M, 04/26/1960 –

         2021008189

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine:

 

20. Kristine Nicole Madej, W/F, 11/13/1991 –

         2020016350      

• Sale & Delivery of Fentanyl:

 

21. Christopher Austin Matuse, W/M, 3/29/1995 –

2021005930    Detained (Alachua County Jail)

• Possession of controlled substance
• Possession of paraphernalia

 

22. John Frazier Mills, B/M, 08/06/1987 –

         2021003809      Detained (Duval County Jail)

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine:

 

23. Joshua Kyle Meyer, W/M, 08/29/1988 –

          2021006564    

• Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Fentanyl
• Possession under 20 grams of Cannabis
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:

 

SUSPECTS PREVIOUSLY ARRESTED

 

1. Stephen Thomas Aspden Jr., W/M, 06/24/1987

         2021006350

• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Controlled Substance x6
• Possession over 20 grams of Cannabis
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

2. Dennis Leroy Readd, W/M, 06/09/1984

         2021006444

• Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Tamper with Evidence
• Resisting LEO without Violence
• Possession under 20 grams of Cannabis
• DWLSR

 

3. Charles Allen Delong, W/M, 10/11/1987

         2021006729

• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

4. Christopher O. Houser, W/M, 04/22/1980

         2021007019

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

5. Shane Edward Kane, W/M, 02/17/1987

         2021007089

• Possession under 20 grams of Cannabis
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

6. Ashley Danielle Huskisson, W/F, 09/20/1993

         2021007245

• Possession of Fentanyl
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

7. Anthony Michael Boyle, W/M, 02/01/1981

          2021007260

• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

8. Dale Arthur Holland Jr., W/M, 06/25/2981

         2021007531

• Possession of Methamphetamine

 

9. Deann Lindell Turner, W/F, 03/19/1970

         2021007531

• Possession of Methamphetamine

 

10. Jonathon Paul Mehaffey, W/M, 10/14/1991

         2021009049

• Aggravated Battery on LEO x2
• Fleeing & Elude LEO

 

11. William Charles Storey III, W/M, 11/07/1988

          2021007743

• Possession of Fentanyl
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

12. Bailyn Taylor Vinson, W/F, 05/21/1997

         2021007737

• Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Fentanyl
• Possession of Controlled Substance

 

13. Ailene Nichole Cain, W/F, 05/13/1986

         2021007759

• Possession of Methamphetamine,
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

14. Bo Lee Johns, W/M, 05/14/1989

         2021007759

• Resisting LEO without Violence

 

15. Adrianna Renee Guerrero, W/F, 03/15/1990

         2021010302

• Possession of Fentanyl

 

16. Melvin Lashane Jennings, B/M, 11/04/1992

         2021008365

• Possession over 20 grams of cannabis with intent to distribute
• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
• Possession of crack with intent to distribute
• Possession of firearm by convicted felon
• Possession of ammunition by convicted felon

 

17. Douglas Ashley Lofton, W/M, 08/07/1967

         2021003314

• Sale & Delivery of Methamphetamine

 

18. Allen Bryan Roberson, W/M, 07/06/1978

         2021009908, 2021010465

• Sale Delivery of methamphetamine
• Trafficking in methamphetamine

 

19. Terrance Javon McRae, BM, 07/18/1980

         2021015852, 2021017105

• Sale and delivery of cocaine
• Sale and delivery of fentanyl
• Trafficking in fentanyl
• Trafficking in heroin
• Trafficking in methamphetamine

 

20. Charles Olen McMillan, WM, 08/03/1979

2021001720, 2021012302

• Sale and delivery of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Maintaining a drug dwelling
• Possession of ammunition by convicted felon

 

21. Keri Ann Oliver, W/F, 08/06/1978

2021010527

• Sale and delivery of methamphetamine