Eight from Milton, Pace arrested as part of multi-year, multi-agency drug bust
Eight men from Milton and Pace were arrested in a multi-year and multi-agency drug bust in Santa Rosa County.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson held a press conference on Oct. 16, beside a table full of the drugs and guns that were recovered as part of the three-year investigation, titled “Operation Last Supper.”
“This was a multi-year investigation, where men and women missed many opportunities to be with family — birthdays, holidays — all to try to keep our community safe. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice in that respect,” said Jason Cooty, U.S. attorney for the northern district of Florida.
The men arrested were David Kennedy, also known as “Preacher;” Roosevelt Jones, also known as “Twan;” Dexter Causey, Willie Joe Barnes, Michael McQueen, also known as “Mike Mike;” Neal Nesbit; Curtis Merlan; and Kristopher Smith.
Johnson said Kennedy had been known to law enforcement since the 1990s, back when the sheriff was working himself up through the ranks as a narcotics officer.
“He was a target for us then. That’s how long he’s been selling dope in Santa Rosa County,” Johnson said. “This dirtbag will hopefully go to prison and not get out anytime soon because we’re tired of dealing with him.”
According to Cooty, Kennedy is being charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500-4999 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, 500-4999 grams of cocaine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. He has prior convictions and would face 108-135 months in prison if convicted.
Jones was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. Cooty said he would face anywhere from 262 months to 347 months in prison, if convicted.
“He has a remarkable criminal history with over eight drug felonies,” Cooty said.
Causey was charged with drug trafficking and conditional release violation; Barnes has two drug possession charges, a drug production charge, possession of a weapon and public order crimes; McQueen was charged with drugs-deliver/distribute controlled substance schedule II; Nesbit and Merlan face public order crimes and drug trafficking; Smith is facing drug possession, public order crimes, drug trafficking, drug equipment-possession and resisting officer charges. These charges are just from Santa Rosa County. Some of the suspects have state and/or federal charges.
Overall, as part of the investigation, 5.6 kilos of cocaine, 67 grams of fentanyl, 54 grams of hydrocodone, 521 grams of methamphetamine, 7.75 pounds of marijuana and 10.2 pounds of THC edibles were recovered.
Johnson thanked the Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Postal Service, Florida Highway Patrol and the Gulf Breeze Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
“As you can see from the table over here, the operation was very successful,” Johnson said, pointing to the table full of narcotics.