“Operation Poppin’ Molly” leads to 16 arrests, 20 more suspects wanted
More than 100 drug transactions at a Southside nightclub in just ten weeks.
It’s just part of the findings unveiled by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office following an undercover operation at Pure nightclub on Philips Highway. They raided the club overnight, arresting 16 people for felony drug sale warrants. We’re told 20 suspects are still being sought.
Sheriff John Rutherford says their undercover officers saw the synthetic drug molly as the predominant drug being sold at the club.
“Popular with young people who frequent clubs, but can have devastating health consequences,” Rutherford says.
Heroin, cocaine, and marijuana were also sold. We’re told four Pure employees are among the suspects.
When asked whether Pure management is also involved, Rutherford responded none that he’s willing to say at this time.
The club has closed because of a range of code violations which were found during the raid, including cuts in fire walls and improper railing on stages. JSO says when the violations are fixed, the club will be allowed to reopen.
While the focus of this operation was drug sales, Rutherford says that often comes hand-in-hand with violent crime.
“I’m sure we just prevented probably a drug related murder in this community,” he says.
Further he says while recent violence seems to be concentrated in Northwest Jacksonville, there are truly no boundaries.
“Drugs are not limited to one part of town, and neither is the violence,” Rutherford says.
Two other locations were raided as part of this operation, and Rutherford says their investigation is ongoing. He declined to speak on whether there are other nightclubs under investigation and what JSO is doing to find the outstanding suspects.
Arrested at Pure nightclub:
21-year-old Sarah Lynn Statti- distributing meth
21-year-old Taylor Alexa Kelly- selling meth
23-year-old Anthony Annuzi- selling meth
22-year-old Andrew Smykb- selling meth
28-year-old Beres Anthony Cox- selling meth
27-year-old Ruben Keith Culler- selling meth, possession of a controlled substance
20-year-old Bradley Dewayne Eibach- falsely identifying himself during arrest, driving with a suspended/cancelled/revoked license, distributing meth
20-year-old Michael Anthony Clay- selling meth
27-year-old Timothy David McLeod- selling meth
21-year-old Rashad Alvin Morgan- selling meth
24-year-old Michael Dwayne McKnight Jr- selling meth, selling marijuana
20-year-old Domonique Wade Jones- selling meth, selling meth near a park
Arrested at Powhattan Street home:
22-year-old Marquis Valdelz Williams- possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, resisting an officer without violence, using or intending to use drug paraphernalia.
21-year-old Cary V Seldon II- possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, using or intending to use drug paraphernalia.
Arrested at St. Johns Bluff apartment:
25-year-old Andrew Edward Houseman- selling marijuana
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