Anything For A Buck: 75 Arrested On Weapons, Drug Charges

November 2, 2011

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday afternoon that 75 Escambia and Santa Rosa residents  have been charged with firearm, drug distribution and related offenses as the result of the undercover investigation “Operation Anything for a  Buck”.

There were 22 federal indictments unsealed Wednesday in federal court, charging 22 separate defendants with federal firearm violations. In addition, 53 other defendants were charged by state authorities on violations related to state illegal firearm possession, drug distribution, and dealing in stolen property.  The federal and state charges follow an eight-month undercover investigation.

In February 2011,  the United States Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department initiated “Operation Anything for a Buck” when they opened a secondhand thrift store in Brownsville.  Word spread that the store would buy anything as undercover ATF agents and Escambia County investigators posed as individuals interested in purchasing firearms, illegal drugs and stolen property.

“The residents of Escambia County and communities across the state can feel a little safer today thanks to the tireless efforts of the brave law enforcement officers and agents who took part in this effort,” said U.S. Attorney Pamela C. Marsh.  “We know from experience that gun violence goes hand-in-hand with gangs and drugs.  Our law enforcement officers worked incredibly hard, in the heat of a Florida summer, to take these guns and drugs out of our community.  They deserve all the credit for this successful joint effort.  I assure you we will not stop here and together we will continue to do what it takes to rid our streets of criminal activity.”

During the operation, undercover agents and investigators purchased 270 firearms, including handguns, rifles, assault rifles and sawed-off shotguns, and more than 2,600 rounds of ammunition.  In over 100 individual drug deals, they also obtained illegal drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, hydrocodone, xanax, and oxycodone.

For information on claiming stolen property that you believe may belong to you, click here.

“This undercover operation was very successful because of the excellent cooperation that occurred between all the agencies,” said State Attorney William “Bill” Eddins.  The tremendous allocation of manpower and resources necessary to conduct such an operation would not have been possible without assignment of personnel from the various agencies.  Our office has assigned Special Prosecutors to handle these cases who have worked closely with the various agencies during this operation. Each defendant arrested as a result of this investigation will be vigorously prosecuted.”

“This is the kind of creative and collaborative law enforcement initiative that has a direct impact on local communities,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.  “We commend the agencies involved for their proactive work to take firearms out of the hands of dangerous felons.”

“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have been a partner with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and other local and federal agencies during the recent ‘Operation Anything for a Buck’,” said Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan.  “It has been, to say the least, a phenomenal success. The citizens of Escambia County can be proud of the collective efforts of all the men and women involved. It has been my distinct honor to have been a part of making our community a safer place to work, worship and play.”

Following numerous arrests Wednesday morning, initial appearances for many of the federally indicted defendants will be held in United States District Court in Pensacola on Thursday.

A list of those arrested is below.

Federal Defendants Charged:

  • Lavonta Omar Beasley, 19, Pensacola
  • Jesse Leon Chesser, 47, Pensacola
  • James Collins, Jr., 23, Pensacola
  • Maurice Finklea, 30, Pensacola
  • Erick Anthony Fluker, 24, Pensacola
  • Jacobi Franciscus Foster, 28, Pensacola
  • Corval Markuess Franklin, 23, Pensacola
  • Ferronta Lavon Jackson, 27, Pensacola
  • Roderick Delano Jones, 33, Pensacola
  • Anthony Lewis Jr., 22, Pensacola
  • Robert Charles Moeckel, 28, Pensacola
  • Jeremy Lee Norris, 23, Pace
  • Warren Phillips, 22, Pensacola
  • Eudolph Tyra Porter, 28, Pensacola
  • Orlance Jonathan Sangster, 20, Pensacola
  • Glenn Edward Williams, 49, Pensacola

State Defendants Charged:

  • Lavonta Omar Beasley, 19, Pensacola
  • Dureco Konne Brown, 22, Pensacola
  • Curry Chestnut, III, 20, Pensacola
  • James Collins, Jr., 23, Pensacola
  • Vontricia Sherial Dale, 25, Pensacola
  • Tonjas Dixon, 19, Pensacola
  • Jamal Ladariur Dortch, Jr., 21, Pensacola
  • Richard Dumas, Jr., 21, Pensacola
  • Deondre Raynard Fluker, 20, Pensacola
  • Eric Anthony Fluker, 24, Pensacola
  • Brandon Keith Fore, 33, Pace
  • Jacobi Franciscus Foster, 28, Pensacola
  • Stephen Lawrence Grimsley, 23, Pensacola
  • Muriel Shundell Holland, 40, Pensacola
  • Dell C. Howard, 32, Pensacola
  • Ferronta Lavon Jackson, 27, Pensacola
  • Myron Demetrius James, 35, Pensacola
  • Cedric Corrsell Jones, 24, Pensacola
  • Roderick Delano Jones, 32, Pensacola
  • Peter Ricky Kemp, 20, Pensacola
  • Anthony Lewis, Jr., 22, Pensacola
  • Kazadius Taheen McQueen, 21, Pensacola
  • Quandriguez Duvonta Mosley, 18, Pensacola
  • Jacobia Ladraina Newberry, 20, Pensacola
  • Steven Joseph Owens, 36, Pensacola
  • Warren Phillips, 22, Pensacola
  • Michael Everett Plant, Jr., 36, Pace
  • Maurice Lamont Rembert, 36, Pensacola
  • Orlance Jonathan Sangster, 20, Pensacola
  • Dustin Michael Scheibe, 31, Pace
  • Kevin Allen Sealey, 41, Pensacola
  • Kyle Allen Sealey, 20, Pensacola
  • Daniel Demetris Sigmen, 23, Pensacola
  • Jeffery Lovell Stanton, 42, Pensacola
  • Dominique Roger Warren, 22, Pensacola
  • Darrel Williams, 45, Pensacola
  • Darrell Williams, Jr., 20, Pensacola
  • Glenn Edward Williams, 49, Pensacola

Pictured: “Operation Anything for a Buck” is announced Wednesday afternoon during a joint press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

12 Responses to “Anything For A Buck: 75 Arrested On Weapons, Drug Charges”

  1. 429SCJ on November 5th, 2011 6:35 am

    That Heckler & Koch G3, looks like it needs a good home, if nobody wants it.

  2. century on November 3rd, 2011 10:21 pm

    OH MR.GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL

  3. mary on November 3rd, 2011 2:39 pm

    were all the names on the list of Federal Charges arrested or are they still looking for them?

  4. tlad on November 3rd, 2011 12:10 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  5. David Huie Green on November 2nd, 2011 11:12 pm

    REGARDING:
    ” Does anyone remember CJ’s Swap Shop? It was in Century. From the May 11, 1989 issue of the PNJ, an extensive investigation and purchases of questionable items resulted in numerous arrests, and theft and drug crimes solved. “CJ”…he was the late Sheriff Charlie Johnson”

    Yep, I was just remembering fondly that action.Sometimes buyers would call him over the phone to get approval on particular purchases and talk to Mr. Johnson or even Charlie but nobody caught on as to who C. Johnson might be.

    A neighbor tried to sell them a stolen gravel truck. When they refused, he just left it with them.

    Good times.

    David for catching morons

  6. wow on November 2nd, 2011 11:02 pm

    now that the government stocked up on guns and drugs what will they do with all of it? there was no mention that all of the weapons were stolen or hot. some of these items might be ligit. will they sell the legal stuff? I need a huntin rifle…..

  7. Walnut Hill Resident on November 2nd, 2011 7:09 pm

    What happens to the guns that are not claimed? Will they be sold or destroyed? If they are sold how do you find out about the sale and where it will be held?

  8. Wharf Rat on November 2nd, 2011 6:16 pm

    Another one for the good guys. Does anyone remember CJ’s Swap Shop? It was in Century. From the May 11, 1989 issue of the PNJ, an extensive investigation and purchases of questionable items resulted in numerous arrests, and theft and drug crimes solved. “CJ”…he was the late Sheriff Charlie Johnson, who served from 1989 until 1993. Congratulations for your continued success, the war has yet to be won. Be safe.

  9. B.Bunny on November 2nd, 2011 6:09 pm

    Great job done by all involved!!!

  10. walnuthill on November 2nd, 2011 5:01 pm

    I had a 12 gauge shotgun stolen from my home about 20-25 yrs ago. We think we know who did it.. one thing is for sure… they have to stand before God on the judgement day. It has never been recovered, but we were told it is still in WalnutHill.

  11. mercy me on November 2nd, 2011 4:25 pm

    This is just the tip of the iceberg. Plenty more still in the community with bad boots on the ground. Keep up the good work. Keep it undercover and keep your eyes and ears open. Undercover operations or stings will not negatively affect honest citizens who have nothing to hide.

  12. 429SCJ on November 2nd, 2011 4:24 pm

    You would figure out of a list that long, you would recognize at least one name. I must be keeping good company.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News