Daytona Beach, FL - A six-month-long investigation has led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin and fentanyl in Volusia and Lake counties. Eighteen people have already been arrested, including the ringleader, 35-year-old Brandon “Buddy” Carter of DeLand, and supplier, 38-year-old Kamari Mott of Daytona Beach. Both men have an extensive history with the Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO). Carter was arrested on May 1, 2021, and remains in the Volusia County Jail. Mott and 16 others were arrested last week.
Heroin/fentanyl Distribution Ring "My Buddy"
The investigation began in January with deputies and detectives working to identify the organization’s members. Last Thursday, June 17, armed with four search warrants, law enforcement officers fanned out across Volusia and Lake counties, arresting suspects and collecting more than 500 grams of cocaine, $38,000 cash, various pills, and two handguns.
The joint effort was led by the Volusia Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution with assistance from the East and West Volusia Narcotics Task Forces and the Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Daytona Beach Police Department also assisted with the investigation.
“Their work is never done, but today the men and women who put together this operation should be proud of their success shutting down another drug trafficking ring in our community,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “We’re saving lives and improving quality of life for everyone when we put these organizations out of business.”
There are outstanding warrants for several more people who have been identified.
Those taken into custody last week are listed below, with their status as of this posting.
Kamari Mott, DOB 04/11/1983
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), Trafficking in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $1,010,000 bond
Brandon Carter, DOB 12/11/1985
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (4 grams or more), Trafficking in Heroin (4 grams or more), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. (Also charged May 1 with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Resisting Arrest With Violence, Tampering With Evidence and Violation of Probation) In custody; no bond on VOP; $1,605,000 million bond on other charges
Terry McMillon Jr., DOB 12/18/1976
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), Trafficking in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Deliver Cocaine, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $1,525,000 million bond
Willie Newton, DOB 06/29/1964
Charges: Conspiracy to Deliver Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device In custody, $25,000 bond
John Harris, DOB 08/13/1960
Charges: Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, Solicitation to Deliver Oxycodone, and Unlawful Use of Two Way Communication Device. Released on $15,000 bond.
Nicole Hurley, DOB 07/03/1990
Charges: Delivery of Cocaine, Purchase of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin, Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, Solicitation to Deliver Cocaine, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $180,000 bond.
Lauren Jenkins, DOB 09/03/1996
Charges: Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $18,000 bond.
Christopher Kelly, DOB 11/20/1980
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (4 grams or more), Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $35,000 bond.
Michael Kelly, DOB 06/02/1979
Charges: Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. Additional Volusia County Warrant: Violation of Pre-Trial Release Re: Domestic Battery. In custody; no bond on PTR; $10,000 bond on other charges.
Devin Owens, DOB 07/21/1985
Charges: Volusia County Warrant: Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (28 grams or more), Delivery of Heroin, Delivery of Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. Lake County Warrant: Trafficking in Fentanyl (4 grams or more). In custody (Lake County), $540,000 bond.
Gary Bruce, DOB 04/16/1984
Charges: Purchase Heroin, Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, Conspiracy to Purchase Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. Released (Lake County) on $20,000 bond.
Laurie Gilb, DOB 01/07/1981
Charges: Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $10,000 bond.
Glen Floyd Jr., DOB 07/06/1984
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (28 grams or more), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $505,000 bond.
Rutger Mikell, DOB 09/22/1997
Charges: Volusia County Warrant: Delivery of Methamphetamine. Lake County Warrant: Sale of Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. In custody (Lake County), $15,000 bond.
Shane Nash, DOB 02/27/1987
Charges: Solicitation to Deliver Heroin, and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. Released on $10,000 bond.
Donovan Newland, DOB 03/07/1987
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (14 grams or more), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, $155,000 bond
Matthew Suzin, DOB 09/01/1984
Charges: Conspiracy to Traffic in Heroin (4 grams or more), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device. In custody, no bond set.
Taylor Hamlin, DOB 02/06/1994
Charges: Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy to Deliver Heroin. In custody (Lake County), $15,000 bond.