Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) Task Force, in collaboration with multiple agencies, have disrupted significant fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operations through two coordinated investigations: Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline.
The operations resulted in the arrests of 51 suspects. Authorities seized 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and approximately $20,000 in U.S. currency.
The investigation into Operation Bloodline began in August 2025, targeting Jemarion Young of Winter Haven, identified as a Florida gang leader and drug trafficker. Young was associated with Spencer Leonard, Jr. of Bartow and others involved in a multi-county drug trafficking organization operating in Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco counties.
Undercover detectives infiltrated the group, participated in transactions, and acquired methamphetamine and fentanyl. A methamphetamine supply line from California to Polk County was identified, leading to the interception of a 10-pound delivery on December 15, 2025.
Operation Flatline stemmed from a critical fentanyl overdose incident on December 23, 2025, when 42-year-old Angela Valenta was found unresponsive in a Lake Wales hotel room and remains hospitalized with minimal brain activity. She had received fentanyl the previous day from William Benjamin Newton, Jr., who is linked to other overdose investigations. This led to Newton’s arrest and the seizure of 6.1 pounds of fentanyl and 1.4 pounds of cocaine. Newton could face first-degree murder charges if Valenta dies from the overdose.
The operations utilized resources from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant, wiretaps, and surveillance, with involvement from Statewide Prosecutors and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Participating agencies in Operation Bloodline included: Florida Attorney General, Office of Statewide Prosecution, State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit, FDLE, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, United States Marshal, Auburndale Police Department, Winter Park Police Department, Central Florida HIDTA Task Force, and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting in Operation Flatline: FDLE, State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit, Auburndale Police Department, and Central Florida HIDTA Task Force.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated: “Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job—putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug traffickers who are profiting from this destruction.”
List of Charges for Select Arrested Individuals (as detailed in the press release):
- Jemarion Young, 36, Winter Haven (currently in Polk County Jail):
Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Trafficking in Fentanyl (10 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl (2 counts), Trafficking Methamphetamine (12 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (19 counts), Possess Structure/Vehicle for Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device, Possess/Use Narcotic Paraphernalia. - Britney Jefferson, 37, Winter Haven (currently in Polk County Jail):
Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (8 counts), Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device. (Accused of coordinating a methamphetamine delivery from California to Polk County; sister of individuals arrested in prior PCSO operation.) - Joshua Puckelwartz, 33, Tampa (no longer in custody):
Arrested in Polk County on a Pinellas County warrant for Trafficking in Cocaine. (Fled a traffic stop on January 28, 2026, crashed on I-275; possessed about 12 pounds of methamphetamine. Rapper known as Tommi Boy Wayne; had communications with Young.) - Michael Wells, 34, Winter Haven (currently in Polk County Jail):
Trafficking Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (17 counts), Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine, Conspiracy to Sell Marijuana, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Structure/Vehicle to Sell Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts). (Close associate of Young; participated in methamphetamine acquisition and supply.) - Steven Jackson, 32, Lakeland (currently in Polk County Jail):
Armed Trafficking in Amphetamine, Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Fentanyl (7 counts), Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possess Structure/Vehicle for Drug Trafficking, Possession of Alprazolam with Intent to Sell, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. (Gang member; supplier of fentanyl to Young.) - Bruce Young, 37, Lakeland (not in custody; outstanding Polk County warrant):
Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Racketeering, Trafficking in Amphetamine, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device. (Released from prison November 29, 2025; immediately sought to resume methamphetamine sales via California supplier.) - Jerell Carr, 35, Lakeland (currently in Polk County Jail):
Trafficking in Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Racketeering, Fleeing to Elude, Fleeing to Elude Causing Injury or Death, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Keep a Public Nuisance Structure for Drug Activity, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device, Culpable Negligence Inflicting Harm (2 counts), Culpable Negligence Exposure to Harm (4 counts), Dangerous Excessive Speeding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Obstruct without Violence. (Gang member; released from prison June 5, 2025; arrested January 16, 2026 after fleeing trooper, possessing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.)
These operations highlight ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking linked to overdoses and gang activity in central Florida.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
