A drug raid in Okeechobee County led to the arrest of two people on child abuse charges.
Two toddlers were removed from a house in Okeechobee on Tuesday, where deputies found fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said the target of the investigation was 23-year-old Antonio Bartell Jr. It started when concerned citizens reported that Bartell wasdistributing crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics from his residence at 4026 Hwy. 441 S.E.
Before the raid, the sheriff’s office alleged Bartell sold pressed pills laced with fentanyl and crack cocaine to an undercover detective.
Following the interaction, the OCSO Narcotics Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Bartell, and he was initially arrested on the following counts:
- Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a place of worship
- Possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of worship
- Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship
- Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of worship
A K-9 alerted investigators to Bartell’s vehicle during the stop and a search was conducted. The sheriff’s office said a pressed pill laced with fentanyl — which matched the pill purchased from Bartell — was found on a seat.
Following Bartell’s arrest, OCSO contacted Bartell’s girlfriend — 22-year-oldEvelyn Mireles. The sheriff’s office said Mireles agreed to accompany law enforcement to their shared home, and the Task Force served and executed the probable cause search warrant.
“She [Mireles] pulled in. The cops just came out of nowhere, and just pulled in right behind her. They got her out of the car and her little kids were out there,” neighbor Richard Thorn said, who saw the entire raid unfold.
“I’m concerned for the children, not nobody else,” he added.
Detectives found all kinds of drugs during the search. The list included pressed pills laced with fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, ammunition — .223, 9MM, and 40 calibers — and drug paraphernalia throughout the home.
The sheriff’s office said Bartell has two felony convictions for drug-related crimes, probation violations, bringing a firearm to school, and throwing or shooting a deadly missile into a residence — meaning he should not be in possession of any firearms.
Additionally, the Narcotics Task Force said there was also evidence of crack cocaine being manufactured in the housewhere two children live in the residence under the age of three. The narcotics that were in the residence during the search warrant were all over the residence, near food, plates, utensils, and the children’s items, the news release stated. The items were in a place that the children could easily access.
After a search of the home, Bartell now faces additional counts of:
- Possession of Fentanyl with the intent to Sell
- Manufacturing cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Sell
- Possession of Ammo by a convicted felon
- Possession of Psilocybin
- Two counts of Child abuse
- Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Mireles was also arrested after the home was secured, the sheriff’s office said. She faces the following:
- Manufacturing cocaine
- Two counts of Child abuse
- Possession of Psilocybin
- Possession of Fentanyl
- Possession of marijuana under 20 grams
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
The sheriff’s office saidMireles was able to turn her child over to a family member, with the understanding that the Department of Children and Families would be notified of the child’s living conditions within the home.
The bond between the two individuals will be set at their first appearance, OCSO said.
Child neglect is a heartbreaking and serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being. If you suspect or know that a child is being neglected, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect their safety. At Ovadia Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping families and guardians navigate the complexities of child neglect cases. We work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable, whether it’s a parent, caregiver, or institution. Our team will guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination, ensuring that the child’s rights and best interests are always prioritized. If you need help addressing a child neglect situation, contact Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation. Let us provide the legal support needed to secure a safer future for the child.
Source: cbs12
