Friday, June 3, 2016

Long Term Investigation Results in Multiple Arrests in Bronson



 
 
June 3, 2016

Levy County Drug Task Force investigators and investigators from the LCSO Criminal Investigation Division (CID) concluded an investigation today that began in February of this year.  On February 22, 2016, LCSO Deputies responded to a reported suspicious child death at 755 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Town of Bronson.  During that investigation a clandestine Methamphetamine Lab was discovered and dismantled on the property. 

Based on the evidence gathered in February, Investigator Joe Barrera was able to obtain an arrest warrant for Amanda Marie Davis (9-20-78).  The warrant was issued for one count of Trafficking in Methamphetamine and one count of Manufacturing Methamphetamine.  The warrant was issued by Levy County Judge Tim Browning on June 1, 2016. 

On June 3, 2016 DTF and CID Investigators went to the residence at 755 Pennsylvania Avenue in Bronson to arrest Davis on the outstanding warrant.  As they approached the residence, Investigators discovered evidence of another methamphetamine lab at the residence.  They took Davis into custody on the outstanding warrant. 

During their search of the premises, the investigators located and detained the following additional individuals:   

          Debra D. Smith (7-6-64)
          Erica Christine McElveen (2-5-87) and
          Brian Keith Gruhler (12-9-66)

Investigators discovered an active methamphetamine lab on the premises as well as a significant amount of evidence of long term manufacturing at the location.  The evidence included 338 grams of liquid methamphetamine. 

LCSO personnel were required to put on Haz-Mat suits and make the lab safe.  They were assisted by personnel from both the Bronson and Williston Fire Departments.  Investigators also discovered that someone had bypassed the electric meter at the residence and was in fact stealing electricity. 

At the conclusion of the investigation, Davis was arrested and charged on the outstanding warrant as well as four new charges for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Manufacturing of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Drug Dwelling. 

Smith was charged with Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine.  McElveen was charged with Violation of her Probation.  Gruhler was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Manufacturing Methamphetamine. 

All the defendants were transported to the Levy County Detention Center where they are awaiting their first court appearance. 

Methamphetamine use and production continues to put a strain on law enforcement and public safety resources.  LCSO encourages the public to contact us or Crime Stoppers of Levy County to report suspicious methamphetamine activity. 

 
"Know Something We Don't" Call Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 remain anonymous.