The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested eight people after a six-month investigation into a group with intent to sell and traffick drugs in the Central Florida community.
The investigation centered around the activities of 46-year-old Alphonso Guice, a seven-time convicted felon. Detectives became aware of an operation at a home on the 700 block of South 51st Street near Tampa involving large quantities of cannabinoids, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
Detectives executed a search warrant at the location and discovered 27 pounds of cannabinoids, an AK 47 rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and numerous structures on the property used for drug activity.
“The commitment these deputies and detectives have to keep this criminal activity out of our community is commendable,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “For six months, teamHCSO investigated this group, unearthing their operation and successfully executed a safe arrest of these dangerous individuals.”
Here’s a breakdown of the charges against each suspect:
Alphonso James Guice, 46, was charged with:
- Armed Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver
- Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver
- Trafficking In Synthetic Cannabinoids (1,000 Grams to 30 Kilograms)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Keeping Public Nuisance Structure for Drug Activity
- Felon in Possession of Firearm x2
Kevin John Lindsay, 54, was charged with:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Controlled Substance
Sandra Elizabeth Newman, 65, has been charged with:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Controlled Substance
Neyshmarie Romero Betancourt, 27, was charged with:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia x2
Donthea Levon Bisbee, 54, was charged with:
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Felon in Possession of Firearm
Frederick Lewis Flowers, 59, was charged with:
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Karen Michelle Warren, 55, was charged with:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x2)
- Possession of Controlled Substance (x3)
- Resisting Officer without Violence
Kenneth Russell Downs, 44, was charged with:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x3)
- Possession of Controlled Substance (x3)
This investigation is ongoing, according to local law enforcement.
