In an operation that cracked down on a local narcotics hub, detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office were busy this past Monday. Following an extensive investigation into the sale of large quantities of methamphetamine from a residence at 5128 Mentmore Avenue in Spring Hill, the law enforcement teams executed a search warrant, according to a press release by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation involved members from the Vice and Narcotics Unit, Special Intelligence Unit, and Property Crimes Unit, and found its target in Justin Byrd. Born on August 14, 1992, Byrd was identified as the main figure behind the drug sales. The raid resulted in Byrd’s immediate arrest while two females, and a child, were also found in the residence at the time. Inside, nearly a kilo of methamphetamine, weighing in at around 932.9 grams, as well as three firearms and various ammunition were discovered. It is noteworthy, that Byrd is a convicted felon with a history of 15 prior felonies, rendering his possession of firearms or ammunition illegal.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Byrd admitted to owning the narcotics and firearms in a post-Miranda interview. Detectives also seized several vehicles and all-terrain vehicles on the property, suspected at first of being stolen or exchanged for drugs, though none were confirmed as reported stolen at the time of the search. Background checks linked Byrd to a previous encounter with law enforcement involving a grand theft auto case that dates back to October 5, which involved a stolen Dodge Ram 1500 from the Motel 6 on Commercial Way in Spring Hill.
"During the interview, Byrd admitted to being in possession of the stolen vehicle and fleeing from law enforcement," the statement from Hernando County Sheriff's Office detailed. In a further complication for Byrd, he was also in possession of a stolen license plate from Polk County, netting him no-bond status at the Hernando County Detention Center due to the gravity of the trafficking charges he now faces. His litany of charges includes grand theft auto, fleeing to elude law enforcement, driving with a suspended or revoked license for a third or subsequent offense, multiple tag convictions, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon, and maintaining a structure for trafficking a controlled substance.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office continues to pledge its dedication to intercepting and bringing to book, those involved in illegal narcotics trafficking to maintain community safety. In the wake of this incident, they have reached out to the Department of Children and Family Services to initiate an investigation into the child found in the drug-laden environment. Informants with knowledge about this case are encouraged to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers where they can offer tips anonymously and might be eligible for a cash reward up to $5,000.
