Palatka, FL – A months-long narcotics investigation ended early Friday morning with the arrest of a Palatka man described by authorities as a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force arrested Samuel Williams, 48, on Friday, January 16, following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Palatka.
Sheriff’s officials said Williams allegedly trafficked methamphetamine and cocaine and was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The search warrant was served at a home in the 120 block of Schwing Lane, which investigators say was being used as a drug dwelling.
Authorities reported that Williams attempted to flee the residence when deputies arrived but was quickly tracked by the sheriff’s aviation unit and surrendered without further incident. During the search, detectives allegedly recovered trafficking-level quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, substances suspected to be fentanyl, Ecstasy pills, and a firearm.
Investigators said the case involved extensive physical and electronic surveillance and revealed that Williams allegedly supplied narcotics to multiple individuals and locations across Putnam, Clay, St. Johns, and Duval counties, expanding the scope beyond Palatka.
“This career criminal had quite a network in four bordering counties,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said in a statement. “We are confident his 19th conviction will put him away for a very long time.”
Williams was transported to the Putnam County Jail and additionally charged with maintaining a property for drug sales, tampering with evidence, and resisting an officer without violence. Further charges related to the suspected fentanyl and Ecstasy are pending laboratory results. He is being held without bond on the trafficking charges.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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