20 arrested in major Jackson Co. drug bust, leader still on the run, sheriff says

Richard Everett
·2 min read

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla (WDHN) — Twenty people are behind bars after a major drug bust in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation into the drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Michael Termaine Bell Sr. began in early 2023 and uncovered its structure and role in distributing multiple kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, ALPHA-PIHP (“molly”), and fentanyl.

“These illicit substances were distributed in wholesale quantities by the Bell DTO for several years to local retail distributors. The retail distributors sold them to citizens in Jackson County and the surrounding region, many of whom suffer from ongoing drug addictions,” said JCSO spokesperson Ramsey Romero in an official release.

Romero said that during the investigation, 29 members of Bell’s organizations were identified for arrest and indictment, and as of Thursday, April 18, 20 of those members were arrested.

Deputies say Bell has yet to be captured.

Seventeen of the accused DTO members will face state charges, and three will face federal indictments:

  • Lorenzo Heatrice: Two Counts of Distribution (Federal)

  • Brian Rollinson: Conspiracy and Distribution (Federal)

  • Tyrone Christian: Conspiracy and Distribution (Federal)

  • Erian Thomas: Sale of Crack Cocaine, Sale of Methamphetamine

  • La’mayah Douglas: Sale of Crack Cocaine, Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP), Unlawful use of a two-way communications device

  • Frank Brown Jr: (3 Counts) Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP), Sale of Crack Cocaine within 1000 feet of a Public Housing Complex

  • Erhiga Uyosue: Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP)

  • Keyvon Smalls: Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP)

  • Eric Wade: Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP)

  • Timothy Myrick: Sale of Methamphetamine, Sale of Fentanyl

  • Kenneth Curry: Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP)

  • Rachel Routt: Delivery of Methamphetamine

  • Brian Harvey: Sale of Cocaine, Sale of Controlled Substance (Alpha PIHP)

  • Jeremy Barnes: Sale of Cocaine (2 Counts), Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Alpha PIHP

  • Mark Merrifield: Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams

  • Andrew Barnes: Fleeing and attempting to elude Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine

  • Tristan Martin: Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams

  • Abram Sheawa: Possession of Controlled Substance

  • Demetri Lovett: Sale of Crack Cocaine (3 counts)

  • Demetrius Johnson: Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

In addition to the arrests, during the investigation, deputies found more than 3.7 kilograms of Marijuana, more than 430 grams of ALPHA-PIHP (“molly”), 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, 1,290 grams of methamphetamine, and 104 grams of fentanyl have been seized, as well as several firearms, according to the JCSO.

Courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information on Bell’s whereabouts call the office at (850) 482-9648.

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