Sarasota, FL – A sweeping, multi-jurisdictional narcotics operation spanning from 2024 to 2025 has led to 14 arrests and 40 felony charges, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Dubbed Operation Ice Break, the months-long investigation targeted large-scale trafficking networks distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl across several Florida counties.
According to the sheriff’s office, the operation dismantled significant regional drug pipelines and removed high-level traffickers from the community. Investigators say the case involved coordination between Sarasota, Manatee, Pasco, and Charlotte counties.
Among those arrested were Michael Chad Bennett, 47, Trisha Steffes, 44, Andrew Scott, 32, and Kaitlyn Dupre, 28, all facing various charges related to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. Others charged include Peter Thibodeau, 48, Rockford Upton, 57, and Ashley Wehrlen, 41, each accused of conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine.
a Jean Dixon (Wilson), 59, and Walter Lint, 59, face similar or related charges, with some cases involving possession or conspiracy across multiple jurisdictions.
Investigators say the coordinated arrests mark one of Sarasota County’s largest recent drug busts. “This operation underscores our continued effort to target those who distribute deadly substances in our communities,” the agency said in a statement.
The full list of charges and details can be found in the sheriff’s office release.
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