Year long investigation, using dark web & cryptocurrency, results in two R.I.C.O. arrests
On Oct. 14, two local residents were arrested under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Oct. 14, when a search warrant was served at their 3766 S. Susan Pt., Inverness residence. The two are Benjamin Wade Burdick, 53, and Catilynkyrie Anastashia Gonzalez Burdick, 29. Each is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, FL, with their bonds each set at none.
The arrests were the result of a yearlong multi-agency investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
During the investigation, federal agents purchased counterfeit Xanax from the suspects on the 'dark web,' using cryptocurrency, which led to the search warrant being obtained by the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations and signed by a United States Magistrate with the Middle District of Florida.
A search of the residence yielded drug manufacturing, packaging and mailing equipment that included a pill mixer, binder and press, 5 kilograms (11 lbs.) of pill binder, a digital scale, several cups and bowls that contained a white powdery residue, a vacuum sealer and bags, U.S. Postal Service mailing envelopes and shipping boxes, and an Accupost scale.
Detectives discovered numerous Ziploc and vacuum-sealed bags that contained counterfeit alprazolam pills (Xanax) and white pills stamped with G7322, which is marketed as prescription alprazolam. Approximately 16,000 pills, with a net weight of 15 lbs., were found in various packaging, along with $143,095 in U.S. currency, from online counterfeit drug sales, and several firearms.
Benjamin Burdick was arrested on 13 charges, and Catilynkyrie Gonzalez Burdick was arrested on 11 charges.
Both were charged with •possession of an initation controlled substance (etizolam), •distributing an imitation controlled substance (etizolam), •possession of a counterfeit controlled substance (alprazolam) with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver; •distributing a medical drug (flualprazolam) through an internet pharmacy without a permit, •4 counts of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, steroids, THC wax, and greater than 20 grams of marijuana), •manufacturing counterfeit alprazolam in a home where a child under 16 years of age was present, •scheme to defraud while obtaining property with an aggregate value of $50,000 or more, •receiving proceeds from racketeering in counterfeit alprazolam, and •possession and use of drug manufacturing and packaging equipment.
Benjamin Bujrdick was additionally charged with •possession of an illegal driver's license or identification card, and •using a counterfeit driver's license to rent a U.S. Postal Service post office box.
"Our joint investigation started in June of 2019. The successful outcome of this investigation is a prime example of the effective working relationships we have with our federal and local partners," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Our office will continue to leverage these beneficial partnerships, to further protect our citizens and rid our community of dangerous drug dealers such as these individuals."
If you suspect illegal activity is being committed within Citrus County, please contact the CCSO by phone at 352-726-1121, or contact Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous.