Three people arrested, and a large amount of fentanyl and other drugs seized, at Dunnellon residence
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Dunnellon, Florida - A several months-long investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) resulted in a narcotics seach warrant being served at a Dunnellon residence on October 13, 2023, where large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs were found, and three people were arrested. The arrests included James Junior Lauture, 29; Jesse Stuart Tanis, 31; and Megan Elaine Ames, 23.
The investigation was conducted by the agency's Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) after information was received that James Lauture was involved in the sale and delivery of methamphetamine and fentanyl within Citrus County. During the investigation, detectives determined that Lauture was indeed trafficking large quantities of these drugs within the county, and established probable cause to obtain a warrant to search his residence, located at 11830 N. Gatlen Ave.
During the search, detectives located and seized approximately 1,214.7 grams (2.68 pounds) of methamphetamine, 162.51 grams of fentanyl, 6.61 grams of cocaine, 325.2 grams of cannabis, 20.5 oxycodone pills, a Jennings 9mm pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, and $13,786.00 in United States currency.
The three were arrested and transported to the Citrus County Detentionn Facility in Lecanto, Florida:
• Lauture, an eleven-times convicted felon, was charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, trafficking more than 28 grams of fentanyl, 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and renting, leasing or owning a structure for the purpose of drug trafficking. He was also arrested on two warrants: possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and trafficking in methamphetamine. His total bond was set at $295,000.
• Tanis, a one-time convicted felon, was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. His bond was set at $5,000.
• Ames was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Her bond was set at $2,000.
"Narcotics investigations, especially that of a larger scale operation, can be time consuming and require hours of investigation in order to secure a successful outcome," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Thanks to the efforts of the Tactical Impact Unit, we were able to take a significant amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine off our streets - in fact, enough fentanyl was seized during this investigation to kill approximately 81,300 adults. Illicit drugs and those who deal in these dangerous substances have no place in our community."
Residents, if you SEE something, SAY something! The CCSO non-emergency phone line is staffed 24/7 at (352) 249-2790.
About the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit
Responsibilities of the Tactical Impact Unit include narcotics investigations, street-level reverse sting operations, regular checks for narcotics in schools, and traffic interdiction. It coordinates and assists other departments and organizations in combating street-level drug crimes. TIU detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. They work closely with other law enforcement operations bureaus and various local, state, and federal agencies.