INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Vero Beach area men were arrested on a variety of charges – including trafficking cocaine – after months-long investigations into complaints of drug sales, reports show. One of the probes involved agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Jonathan Elwood Hillsman, 41, of the 2100 block of 42nd Street, was charged with three counts of trafficking cocaine 28 grams or more; four counts of sell, manufacture, or deliver or possess with intent to sell a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a place of worship; three counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device; and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andrew Jonathan Jones Jr., 43, of the 1900 block of 19th Street, was charged with trafficking cocaine 28 grams or more; possession of hydrocodone; possession of alprazolam; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Timothy William Smith, 57, of the 1100 block of 13th Square, was charged with sale, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship; trafficking in cocaine 28 grams or more; and conspiracy to sell, manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine.

Hillsman was held Friday at the Indian River County Jail on a $577,000 bond. Jones was held on a $486,000 bond. Smith was held with no bond.

The undercover narcotics probes lasted from July through October. Deputies used confidential informants – wearing hidden audio and video devices – to conduct the drug deals.

A confidential informant purchased several bags of crack cocaine from Hillsman at his residence on July 7, July 15 and August 8, reports show. The transactions occurred not far from Faith Temple Evangelistic Church of Jesus.

Another confidential informant bought a package of cocaine from Jones at an alleyway behind Jones’ residence on Aug. 4. Deputies and DEA agents watched the transaction in real-time through the hidden recording devices.

Smith, who was inside Jones’ house and known to help Jones with drug deals, handed the bag to the informant, reports show. Deputies said the drug deal took place not far from Gracespring Evangelical Church.

Hillsman, Jones and Smith were each arrested on Tuesday.

In Jones’ arrest, a sheriff’s helicopter tracked Jones’ traveling in a Honda Accord along the 1900 block of 19th Street. Deputies said Jones got out of the car, tossed a bag in the bushes, got back in the vehicle and kept driving.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop and detained Jones. Deputies searched the bushes and found bags of cocaine weighing more than 160 grams, along with hydrocodone and alprazolam pills.

Hillsman, Jones and Smith each have arraignments at 9 a.m. Jan. 21, 2026, court records show.

Photos contributed by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office