Date: January 20, 2010
On January 20, 2010, investigators from the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, HIDTA Tri-County Drug Task Force, and the Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit, concluded a month-long undercover operation with the arrest of four (4) Satsuma residents and one (1) individual from Orlando for trafficking in controlled prescription medications.
During the operation, investigators made several purchases of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone medications from these individuals. Ronald Lemyles Cummings, Misty Janette Croslin, Hank Thomas Tommy Croslin Jr., Hope A. Sykes, and Orlando resident Donna Broch, were arrested and charged with trafficking in controlled prescription medications. If convicted as charged, Ronald Cummings, Misty Cummings, and Donna Broch, could receive a minimum mandatory sentence of twenty-five (25) years in state prison. If convicted, the other individuals can receive minimum sentences ranging from three (3) years to fifteen (15) years in state prison. An undercover Putnam County Sheriffs Office Detective purchased large quantities of prescription medications from this group on seven (7) separate occasions. The estimated street value of prescription drugs seized is $3,900.00.
Today, the second phase of the operation was concluded. Ronald Cummings and Misty Croslin purchased trafficking amounts of prescription medications from undercover investigators. Both individuals were immediately arrested and taken into custody without incident. The other individuals were arrested on active arrest warrants resulting from this investigation. The following list details the charges and bonds for the subjects involved in this case:
Misty Janette Croslin, DOB: 12/09/1991
Six (6) Counts of trafficking in Prescription Medications (Bond $950,000.00)
Ronald Lemyles Cummings, DOB: 10/29/1983
Three (3) Counts of Trafficking in Prescription Medications (Bond $500,000.00)
Hank Tommy Croslin Jr., DOB: 08/02/1986
One (1) Count of Trafficking in Prescription Medications (Bond - $100,000.00)
Hope A. Sykes, DOB: 03/24/1991 One (1) Count of Trafficking in Prescription Medications (Bond - $150,000)
Donna Broch One (1) Count of Trafficking in Prescription Medications (Bond - $250,000.00)
This operation was in response to the growing problem of the illegal sale and distribution of prescription drugs within Putnam County and surrounding areas. Prescription drug abuse is rapidly on the rise in Putnam County, and is one of the toughest crimes for law enforcement to combat. Most dealers are merchants of their own addiction, and sell these prescription medications to simply support their own habit.
Information was obtained that these individuals were unlawfully selling prescription medications in the community. Sheriff Hardy assigned detectives from the Drug/Vice Unit to the investigation. An undercover Putnam County Detective infiltrated this group, gaining the trust of these drug dealers.
Sheriff Hardy acknowledges the rise in prescription medication crimes in our community, and understands that this is a precursor to many other crimes affecting our citizens. He has instructed his investigators to not only aggressively pursue the subjects who are illegally selling prescription medications, but also the individuals who are unlawfully possessing and using these highly addictive drugs.
As stated in previous releases, investigators assigned to the Haleigh Cummings investigation will take every available opportunity to speak with any individual believed to have knowledge about Haleigh Cummings disappearance.
Lt. Johnny Greenwood
Putnam County Sheriffs Office
130 Orie Griffin Blvd.
Palatka, Florida 32177
(386) 326-2782
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Posted in the scanner thread by Cajun Girl.
