Eleven defendants charged in conspiracy to distribute pure methamphetamine and heroin resulting in the seizure of over 20 kilograms of drugs and more than $1 million
OCALA, Fla. - A federal indictment has been unsealed charging Charlie Wayne Harrison, Jr. (32, Leesburg); Trini Thomas, Jr. (34, Wildwood); Allison Nicole Valdez (32, St. Petersburg); James Edward Moss (34, LaGrange, Georgia); Dwayne Edward Moss (32, LaGrange, Georgia); Jasmine Janay Patterson (24, Wildwood); Georgiana Armenakis (40, Paisley); Derick Latrelle Woods (28, Belleview); Brian Adolph McLaren, Jr. (30, Ocala); Christopher Valsechi (28, Weirsdale); and Chantal Monique Harrison (28, Leesburg) with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The indictment also notifies Charlie Wayne Harrison, Jr. that the United States intends to forfeit his 2016 Porsche Panamera, 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, and 2008 Hummer H3, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to court records, Charlie Wayne Harrison, Jr. was the leader of a large-scale drug operation spanning Marion, Sumter, Lake, and Pinellas Counties. He and his co-conspirators are charged with distributing multi-kilogram quantities of pure crystal methamphetamine and heroin. During the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 14.5 kilograms of pure crystal methamphetamine (96-100% pure), 5.5 kilograms of heroin, 19 firearms, and approximately six pounds of gold jewelry valued at approximately $95,000. In addition, law enforcement seized $1,171,353 in cash, alleged to be profits of Harrison’s drug organization.
“This investigation is evident of the law enforcement community’s ability to work together throughout various counties to fully investigate and bring to justice those involved in drug trafficking” said Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Division.
“As subject-matter experts in violent crime, firearms and explosives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary, “we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep illegal firearms out of our communities.”
“FDLE is pleased to participate with our partners in the successful effort to stop a massive, multi-county drug operation,” said John Burke, Special Agent in Charge – FDLE, Jacksonville Regional Operations Center. “Florida families in this region are now safer and more secure thanks to the combined work of law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Gainesville Resident Office in partnership with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team in Marion County, as well as the Marion, Lake, and Sumter County Sheriffs’ Offices, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
