The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has just concluded an investigation into illegal heroine dealing in the county.
As a result, the Sheriff’s Office said today that five people were arrested during what the CCSO called, “Operation H.”
The five were arrested during the execution of a search warrant on Dec. 12 at 119 South Pleasant Grove Road in Inverness.
The CCSO said it had suspected that Roberto Ingles and Crystal Pascal used this residence for criminal drug activity. The overall investigation resulted in five people being arrested for various charges.
Crystal Pascual was arrested during a traffic stop for trafficking in heroin where she was found to be in possession of over an ounce of the drug. Also in her possession were three grams of cocaine and a small amount of marijuana.
Roberto Ingles was arrested during the search warrant on Wednesday for trafficking in heroin. In his room, detectives located 13 grams of heroin, 61 grams of marijuana, a small amount of methamphetamine, 3 alprazolam, 31.5 hydromorphone, and 3 morphine tablets. The investigation revealed he sold the drugs from the home. The heroin was field-tested and was found to contain fentanyl.
Amanda Ingles was arrested during the search warrant operation for possession of heroin. Her boyfriend, Kyle Tannock was also arrested on various drug charges to include renting a structure to distribute drugs.
While conducting surveillance at the Pleasant Grove Road home, detectives observed Marcus Morgan, a Tampa resident, frequenting the home and staying for short periods of time. Detectives were familiar with Morgan from a prior traffic stop in Homosassa, where Morgan sped away from deputies after observing a K-9 unit arriving on scene. The pursuit was canceled due to safety concerns; however, deputies had already identified the suspect.
On one occasion, Morgan was observed leaving the home and after observing a traffic violation, a traffic stop was conducted. As the detective approached the vehicle on foot, Morgan placed the car in drive and sped away. Again, a short vehicle pursuit ensued and was canceled for the same safety concerns. Arrest warrants were obtained on Morgan for the two traffic incidents. Morgan was believed to be the drug supplier.
While still gathering intelligence, Morgan was observed again arriving at the home. Once he left the residence, undercover detectives followed him into Hernando County. Contact was made with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, advising them of Morgan’s active warrants and current location. While at a gas station, Morgan was taken into custody. A search of his person and vehicle yielded multiple drugs to include heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. He was arrested for the local drug charges and was held on his Citrus County Warrants.
Operation H resulted in the following arrests and charges:
Crystal Pascual of Inverness, age 39 – Trafficking in Heroin, Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia
Robert Ingles of Inverness, age 29 – Trafficking in Heroin, 3 counts Possession of a Controlled Substances (Alprazolam, Hydromorphone, and Morphine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1000 feet of a Daycare, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
* Kyle Tannock of Inverness, age 30 – Own/Rent/Lease a Structure or Conveyance to Traffic Controlled Substances, Resisting without Violence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams.
* Amanda Ingles of Inverness, age 29 – Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia
* Marcus Morgan of Tampa, age 42 – 2 Counts Felony Fleeing to Elude (Hernando) 2 Counts Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana with intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
“Operation H is just one example of the diligent efforts the men and women of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office make day in and day out to protect and serve the residents of our community. If these drug dealers think that they can continue to place the residents of Citrus County in jeopardy through their illegal drug sales, they better think again,” said Sheriff Prendergast.
“The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ending these types of treacherous operations and activities. We placed five criminals under arrest during Operation H and I can tell you now, we are not stopping here. The residents of our county deserve better, and that’s what they are going to get – a safer community and our dedicated efforts to deliver excellence in public safety.”