News Release
FROM THE OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE
City of Eustis, Florida
For Immediate Release - November 25, 2014
Back Yard Fire Results in Arrest for Marijuana Grow Operation
[Eustis, FL] – During the early evening hours of November 24, 2014, Eustis Police Department narcotics detectives executed a search warrant at 205 West Chesley Avenue, Eustis, FL. A phone call was received from a concerned citizen regarding a fire that was behind a residence. As officers arrived in marked police vehicles at 205 West Chesley Avenue, they observed the fire in the backyard and a white male standing at the corner of the house. Upon spotting the officers, the male began running to the backyard. This alarmed the officers thinking there was an emergency. The officers followed the male to the backyard and observed the male carrying a large marijuana plant into the back door of his residence. The officers also observed several marijuana plants sitting in the backyard in different stages of growth. Officers were able to make contact with the male, identified as Stephan Oakley, when he came back out of the residence. A second occupant of the residence was observed and was identified as Amanda Cooper. The residence was secured and a search warrant was obtained for the residence.
The execution of the search warrant revealed several marijuana plants, materials used in cultivation of marijuana, a 45-caliber handgun, two assault rifles, and a large amount of ammunition. This led to the arrest of Stephan Marc Oakley, w/m, 41, for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana more than 20 grams, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia; bond $46,000. Amanda Cooper, w/f, 40, was charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana more than 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia; bond $5,000. Both were booked into Lake County Jail.
The execution of this search warrant is part of the Eustis Police Department’s ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the quality of life for the residents of the City of Eustis.
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Released by:
Senior Officer Robert Simken, E43
Public Information Officer
