March 10, 2023
On March 8, 2023 the Levy County Drug Task Force (DTF) and Criminal Investigations Division (CID) served a search warrant at 2570 NW 73rd Terrace, located in Whitted Estates Subdivision south of Chiefland. DTF detectives began the investigation after receiving numerous citizen complaints and anonymous information identifying this home as a possible location being used to sell drugs. Detectives learned Jason D. Barber (6/28/95) was selling methamphetamine from the home. Detectives conducted a variety of covert operations over a period of time and developed probable cause for a search warrant of the home and a warrant for Barber’s arrest.
Detectives located and seized over 23 grams of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia during the search warrant. Barber was arrested at the scene and was charged with the additional crimes of possession of a trafficking amount of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child neglect. His bond has been set at $415,000.00. Detectives also arrested Victoria Castellano (1/30/91) of Cedar Key who was located in the home when the warrant was served. She has been charged with possession of methamphetamines and her bond has been set at $15,000.00. Barber, Castellano and Castellano’s young child were the only occupants of the residence at the time the search warrant was served.
Citizen tips are essential in identifying locations such as the one Barber used to sell drugs. The Whitted Estates subdivision is usually a quiet area. Any community can quickly become a dangerous location to live when drug activity moves in. Drug sales in your neighborhood invite the criminal element which leads to an increase in theft, burglary and other crimes. Sheriff McCallum continues his pledge to combat drug activity in Levy County and urges everyone who sees suspicious activity to immediately report it. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.