The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a countywide operation in a proactive initiative to keep neighborhoods safe and prevent violent crime, focusing enforcement efforts in the eastern portion of the county.
HCSO’s Street Crimes Units from all five patrol districts conducted a two-day operation which resulted in 43 arrests, 188 traffic stops, and the removal of dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from local streets in late May.
“Our mission is simple—protect the people of Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “When individuals threaten the safety of our community through reckless driving, gun crimes, or the trafficking of deadly narcotics like fentanyl, our deputies act swiftly and decisively. These operations send a clear message: safety in our neighborhoods will never be compromised.”
Operation results included:
- Guns seized: 3
- Fentanyl: 130.6 grams
- Cocaine: 3.3 grams
- Cannabis: 79.1 grams
- Methamphetamine: 10.8 grams
- Oxycodone Pills: 2.1 grams
- Spice: 23.4 grams
- MDMA: 1 gram
- THC Resin Oil: 53.2 grams
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office also shared several highlights from the Central Florida operation:
- 58-year-old Dexter Myers was arrested in Orient Park for an active felony warrant related to violations of his status as a registered sex offender.
- 49-year-old Maxie Eddins and 32-year-old Jenna Clary were taken into custody after fleeing from deputies at high speed through a residential area and onto I-4. Clary was found to be in possession of more than 127 grams of fentanyl. Eddins, a repeat offender with a known history of narcotics violations, now faces charges including fleeing law enforcement, false imprisonment, and possession of cocaine.
- 31-year-old Nicolas French was arrested near Bloomingdale Avenue and Hoover Street following a traffic stop. French, a documented MPR Gang member and criminal registrant, was found in possession of cannabis sativa resin and drug paraphernalia. He has a criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle, armed burglary, and felon in possession of a firearm. He previously served six years in Florida State Prison.
“These arrests reflect our commitment to protecting families and ensuring the safety of every community we serve,” Sheriff Chronister added. “Through teamwork, intelligence-driven enforcement, and relentless follow-through, we’re building a safer Hillsborough County—one operation at a time.”
This is an ongoing investigation, according to local law enforcement.
Great work, HCSO! Keep it up. Carl Rassler