GIFFORD — Three people were arrested under a drug search warrant, and one because of animal cruelty charges, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Thursday at approximately 1 p.m., investigators from the Indian River County Multi Agency Criminal Enforcement (MACE) Unit served a search warrant at the 4500 block 33rd Avenue in Vero Beach, according to authorities.
Once on the property, detectives found three adult pit bulls and one puppy. The dogs were described as being in poor health and had injuries county animal control officials noted were consistent with dog fighting, said the Sheriff’s press release.
The dogs were restrained with heavy chains and did not have access to food or water when found by investigators. Two of the dogs had to be tranquilized due to their aggressive nature. All the dogs were taken to the local Humane Society where they were evaluated and treated, according to authorities.
The investigation stemmed from several anonymous complaints from neighbors that indicated the subjects in the identified house might be selling drugs. The 3-week long investigation ended Thursday with the service of the search warrant.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, in addition to the dogs, investigators found 28.5 grams of cocaine (both powder and crack) and 205 grams of marijuana. They also seized over $900 in cash as part of the proceeds of the illegal drug sales taking place in the residence.
The following subjects were arrested on the scene:
- Alphonso Phinizee, 37, faces charges of animal cruelty, unlawful confinement/abandonment of a dog and possession of marijuana under 20 grams. He is being held in the Indian River County Jail on $8,000 bond.
- Charles Stokes, 26, faces charges of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and destruction of evidence. He is being held in the Indian River County Jail on $32,500 bond.
- Rone Jackson, 35, faces charges of possession of marijuana over 20 grams. He is being held in the Indian River County Jail on $1,000 bond.
- Jomeka Thomas, 27, faces charges of possession of marijuana under 20 grams. She was released after posting $500 bond.