Drug investigation results in mutiple arrests
Police, DEA dismantled drug operation after 9 month investigation
Drug investigation results in mutiple arrests
Police, DEA dismantled drug operation after 9 month investigation
FERNANDINA BEACH, FL - A nine-month undercover narcotics investigation conducted by the Fernandina Beach Police Department and the DEA HIDTA Task Force has effectively identified and dismantled a family run drug distribution operation centered on Amelia Island and nearby O’Neil.
This comprehensive investigation, dubbed "Operation Fish-Net," led detectives to an elderly local
man, Joseph "Duck" Simmons and his two sons, Christopher T. Brown and Benjamin "Boy-Baby" Simmons. Chris Brown, thought to have been selling cocaine base (crack) since he was a teenager, is also believed to head this organization, which has been responsible for trafficking as much as six to ten ounces of cocaine per week, while nearly monopolizing our small illegal drug market. Brown’s elderly father and his brother have been described as local retailers within the distribution hierarchy.
Over the course of this investigation thirty-four individuals were identified as active members or associates of this distribution ring, suspected of moving large amounts of crack cocaine to users throughout Nassau County, but primarily on the island. The comprehensive criminal histories of several key figures, coupled with hundreds of documented narcotics transactions, served as the foundation for two search warrants and arrest warrants on a total of fifty-seven (57) criminal counts, mostly for the sale and
delivery of crack cocaine. Investigators warn that numerous additional arrests may spin off from this investigation, as detectives continue to talk to those identified as narcotics users, those involved in thefts and other crimes committed to support their drug habits, and those subjecting young children to unhealthy and illegal residential environments.
Arrests in this case, scheduled to occur last week, were delayed by the recent death of Thelma Brown, 82 years of age, a companion of Joseph Simmons and the mother of both Christopher Brown and Benjamin Simmons. The United States Prosecutor’s Office will be reviewing the charges against many of these individuals, based in part because of their previous criminal records and related convictions on drug charges.
On May 12th two search warrants were served simultaneously; one at 1010-B Hickory Street and the other at 713-B South 10th Street. Christopher Brown was arrested at the scene on Hickory Street while attempting to flee out the back door of the residence. He was carrying two bags containing large amounts of cash, cocaine, weight scales, and items related to converting powder cocaine into "crack." Another target of this investigation, Angela Johnson was arrested on the street at the Hickory Street location, while Anthony James was arrested in the 1200 block of Jasmine Street.
At the scene of the second search warrant on South 10th Street, 17 grams of crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, and approximately $900 in cash was seized. The primary target, Joseph "Duck" Simmons, was released at the scene, due in large part to his advanced age and current medical condition. He will eventually face felony charges. Three other targets were arrested at the 10th Street location; Leighton Morris, Ronald Morris and Leroy Perkins, all on warrants for the sale and delivery of cocaine.
A subsequent attempt to round up additional targets produced the arrests of Earl Coleman in the 700 block of South 9th Street and Derrick Owens in the 900 block of South 9th Street. At the time of his arrest Owens was in possession of a loaded handgun, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. He was described by investigators as a street dealer.
Deatra Smith and Charlie Roberts were located and arrested at 6th Street and Pine.
Previously arrested targets are being served with additional charges related to the sale and delivery of cocaine. These individuals, not all related to the Brown/Simmons organization include: William Hunt, Joseph Green, Nikita Geter, Edward Gainey, and Tangela Williams. Keith Albertie and Ronald Chapman were taken off the street early in this investigation. Investigators report that nine to fourteen of these individuals are believed to be directly related to the Brown/Simmons organization, while others were developed independently. Several other subjects are now being sought by investigators.
Benjamin Simmons reportedly fled the area during the initial arrests and has since spoken with investigators by phone. He is currently wanted on outstanding warrants related to the sale and delivery of cocaine.
Another individual, James Herring, unrelated to this investigation, was arrested for disorderly conduct during the execution of the search warrant on 10th Street.
Some of these individuals were targets in the joint FBPD/DEA narcotics operation "Pirate Country," back in 1999. While some remain behind bars, others have served their time and have returned to a life in the local drug trade
