INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Complaints from several neighbors and concerned citizens led to an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Multi Agency Criminal Enforcement (MACE) unit that resulted in six people arrested on various drug charges in the 4400 block of 34th Court in Gifford.
Members of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team assisted MACE in serving a search warrant at the home Wednesday.
“This case is a result of the community standing up to the criminal element. Our detectives received information from those in the neighborhood who had enough of the violence and other crime that goes hand in hand with illegal drug dealing. We took that information and launched this investigation which resulted in the arrest of these six subjects, most of whom have an extensive criminal history,” said Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar. “We hope this case stands as an example of the work we can do when we partner with the community to make our neighborhoods a safer place to live.”
Detectives recovered 2.3 grams of hydromorphone pills, 29 individually packaged baggies of marijuana weighing a total of 25 grams, and additional drug paraphernalia including a scale commonly used to weigh illegal drugs for distribution.
Investigators also seized cash believed to be the proceeds of drug sales in the amount of $1,999.
The following arrests were made as a result of the investigation:
- John Lamar Carter, 23, of the 5700 block of 59th Ave., Vero Beach, is being held without bond.
- Kenneth Bristol, 25, of the 4200 block of 20th Ave., Vero Beach, was released on $10,000 bond.
- Astley Thomas, 19, of the 4400 block of 34th Ct., Vero Beach, is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond.
- Brandon Pittman, 22, of the 2600 block of Martha St., Jacksonville, is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond.
- Charlie Thornton, 34, of the 4800 block of 33rd Ave., Vero Beach, is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond.
- Michael Slaughter, 22, of the 4400 block of 34th Ct., Vero Beach, was released on $10,000 bond.
All defendants face felony charges including possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance. All subjects were held without bond pending their first appearance in court Thursday morning.