Top Row from Left: Canto, Vilardi, Owens, Morper
Bottom Row from Left: Haynes, Mason, Kirk, Higgs Jr.
The Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force (MJDTF) served two search warrants yesterday (9/5/23) which resulted in ten arrests. The search warrants were the culmination of an investigation after receiving complaints and tips of drug activity at the locations, as well as tips that wanted persons were present at the locations. The MJDTF, which consists of members from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, as well as state and federal partners, served the first search warrant at 511 NE Palm Drive in Lake City. Five people were arrested at that location. Those individuals were Cecilia Mason, Shannon Haynes, Marshall Morper, Mark Owens, and John Higgs Jr. The second search warrant was served at 299 NW Lake City Avenue, Building 193 Apartment #102. Five people were arrested at that location. Jerry Kirk, Anthony Vilardi, and Julia Canto were arrested in connection with the search warrant. Lauren Bradford and Chad Smiley were also arrested at this location for unrelated arrest warrants.
“I want to thank our vigilant citizens who partnered with law enforcement to provide information on these cases,” said Sheriff Mark Hunter. “When our citizens work with us, it often times leads to a quicker resolution. We will continue to be proactive in investigating and shutting down illegal drug activity in our community.”
Citizens can report drug and other criminal activity anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Columbia County by dialing (386) 754-7099. Tips may also be submitted online through www.columbiacrimestoppers.net.
Bradford Smiley
