June 6, 2018
On June 6, 2018, just after midnight, the Levy County
Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) executed a search warrant
at 329 South Main Street in Chiefland. Members of the LCSO Drug Task Force
working in cooperation with the Chiefland Police Department and the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information during surveillance that
Kevin “Chilly K” Edwards (9-21-76) was in possession of a substantial amount of
illegal narcotics.
TRU members experienced minor difficulties during the
execution of the search warrant. During their attempts to breach the front
door, TRU members found Edwards was seated on the floor bracing the door with
his feet while his back was against the wall in to hinder them from gaining
entry into the home. Entry was made and investigators located more than
expected.
Edwards, his live-in girlfriend, Tafanesha Markman
(12-12-81) along with 3 children, who were determined to be nieces/nephews to
Edwards, were immediately detained. The search of the home by investigators
discovered Edwards and Markman were in possession of 77.8 grams of crack
cocaine, 27.4 grams of powder cocaine, 7.2 grams of MDMA (molly), 25 grams of
marijuana, 12 Oxycodone pills without a prescription, a .22 caliber handgun, a
.380 caliber handgun, ammunition for both weapons and a bullet proof vest. Some
of these items were found lying in plain view and within easy reach of the
children.
Kevin Edwards has a lengthy history of violent felony and
narcotic arrests, amassing over 52 charges beginning in 1995. Edwards has been
convicted of eight felonies and incarcerated in the Florida Department of
Corrections three times.
Edwards and Markman were arrested and transported to the
Levy County Detention Facility. The children were released to their parents at
the scene.
Edwards has been charged with:
·
Possession of cocaine with the intent to sell
·
Possession of marijuana with the intent to sell
·
Possession of a weapon/ammo by a convicted felon
·
Possession of a controlled substance without a
prescription
·
Maintaining a drug dwelling
·
Trafficking in cocaine
·
Resisting law enforcement without violence
·
Possession of a synthetic narcotic with the
intent to sell
·
Cruelty toward a child
·
Possession of a bullet proof vest during the
commission of a felony
·
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Markman has been charged with:
·
Cruelty toward a child
·
Possession of cocaine with the intent to sell
·
Possession of marijuana with the intent to sell
·
Possession of a controlled substance without a
prescription
·
Maintaining a drug dwelling
·
Trafficking in cocaine
·
Possession of drug paraphernalia
·
Possession of a synthetic narcotic with the
intent to sell
Both Edwards and Markman are awaiting first appearance and
bonds have not yet been set. Investigators are also contacting the Department
of Children and Family services to follow up on the children found in the home
during the search warrant to ensure their safety.