News Release
FROM THE OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE
For Immediate Release - December 12, 2014
Drug investigation leads to search of two houses and multiple arrests.
[Eustis, FL] – During the last several months of this year, the Eustis Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit investigated several local citizens’ complaints of suspected drug houses within the city of Eustis. Through this investigation, Eustis Police detectives were able to obtain search warrants for two suspected residences. One of the residences was located in close proximity to an elementary school; community sports fields, and a local church; the other, in a relatively quiet neighborhood.
On December 8, 2014, the Eustis Police Department executed the first of the two search warrants obtained from information gained during the investigation. The residence was located at 116 W. Golflinks Ave., Eustis, FL. During search of the residence, illegal narcotics including cocaine and marijuana were located. Kenneth Whiting, the homeowner, was arrested and charged with possession of a prescription drug not in proper container, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. His bond was set at $2500. John King, a roommate, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $6000. Kathleen Gwynn, Mr. King’s girlfriend, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. She was issued a Notice to Appear in court and was released on scene.
On December 12, 2014, the Eustis Police Department, with the assistance of the Leesburg Police Department’s SWAT team, executed a search warrant on the second targeted residence. This residence was located at 1024 S. Morin St., Eustis, FL. During the search of the residence, illegal narcotics including cocaine, marijuana, and several firearms were located. Three persons were arrested and charged as a result of this investigation. Homer Nevins, owner of the residence, was charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by convicted felon, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a church, possession of an altered firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia, His bond was set at $116,000. Glenn Smith Jr. was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a church, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $11,000. Vernell Beard, girlfriend of Homer Nevins, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a church, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $21,000.00. Laquantay Johnson was also arrested and charged with possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was issued a Notice to Appear in court and released on scene.
The executions of these search warrants are 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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