FLORIDA — A one-year-old child was taken into state custody and six people were arrested after a drug bust at a home in Okeechobee County, authorities said.
Deputies with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics search warrant Wednesday at a residence on NW 6th Street following an investigation into suspected drug sales from the property.
Investigators said they found fentanyl, methamphetamine, needles, digital scales, burnt foil and other drug paraphernalia throughout the home, including areas accessible to the toddler.
The child was removed from the residence and taken into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families because of what deputies described as hazardous living conditions.
Six people were arrested and taken to the Okeechobee County Jail. Authorities identified them as Brandy L. Yorke, 46; Jason Cooper, 50; Jennifer N. Sheldon, 37; Cody L. LaGrange, 37; Gilbert Tagle Jr., 57; and Kathy W. Carr, 72. All face charges including possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cooper and Sheldon also face additional charges of child neglect, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said the property had been the subject of numerous complaints from neighbors reporting heavy foot and vehicle traffic consistent with suspected drug activity. Deputies said several arrests had previously been made involving people traveling to and from the home.
Following the search, county code enforcement officials determined the residence was unsafe and uninhabitable. Authorities said the home will be condemned.
The sheriff’s office said community tips helped investigators build the case, noting that narcotics investigations often take weeks or months to develop.
