BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – A months-long investigation culminated in a significant drug bust at the Freedom Gardens apartment complex in Brooksville, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and cash.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation in June 2024 after receiving an anonymous tip alleging that Desnik Williams was distributing fentanyl and cocaine within the apartment complex, including selling to minors. The tip also raised concerns about illegal narcotics being accessible to children inside Williams’ residence and linked him to multiple overdose deaths.
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Over several months, detectives conducted surveillance and observed multiple suspected drug transactions. On February 11, 2025, investigators witnessed a hand-to-hand drug transaction between Desnik Williams and Howard Blount. A traffic stop was conducted on Blount, during which he attempted to discard a bag containing 43.2 grams of fentanyl.
Following Blount’s arrest, a search warrant was executed at Williams’ residence. Investigators seized the following:
- 399.7 grams of cocaine
- 457.2 grams of methamphetamine
- 399.3 grams of fentanyl
- 6.9 grams of marijuana
- 14.8 grams of THC edibles
- $125,360 in U.S. currency
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Arrests:
- Desnik Williams: Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Structure for the Sale of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Hashish. Held without bond.
- Markesha Frazier: Same charges as Williams. Held without bond.
- Howard Blount: Trafficking in Fentanyl. Held on $25,000 bond.
- Andres Owens: Possession of Marijuana (under 20 grams) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Held on $2,000 bond.
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