Metal Sludge The Power and the Glory
Crimson Glory guitarist Jon Drenning arrested in Florida cocaine ring by Sarasota Police Department.
Crimson Glory guitarist Jon Drenning was one of 23 people arrested as part of Operation Sarasota Cartel II, which targeted drug dealers in the Sarasota, FL area.
According to an article published by The Herald Tribune, “the 23 people are alleged drug dealers, going through mid-level suppliers to bring cocaine to the streets of Manatee and Sarasota counties. They were arrested because they communicated with those suppliers on the phone — phones that were tapped.”
The Sarasota Police Department launched Operation SRQ Cartel II two years ago.
According to the report, detectives seized five vehicles, seven guns and $145,000. They also confiscated 14 kilos of cocaine (about 30 lbs.) valued at more than $532,000 — “and street value is probably double that.” The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says Drenning was arrested on April 8th in Sarasota on charges of conspiracy to purchase cocaine (Schedule II substance) and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. The 48-year-old musician was released the following day after posting $10,000 bail on each charge.
The Sarasota Police Department has posted video of the press conference announcing the arrests:
Information below is from the youtube description.
In May 2012, the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division began ‘Operation Sarasota Cartel II,’ targeting the hierarchy of drug dealers in the Sarasota area. This was a joint investigation between the Sarasota Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the State Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial District.
In January 2014, the investigation culminated with a series of search warrants. This was able to be completed by the Sarasota Police Department with the help of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the State Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial District, and the DEA Tampa District Office which included members from the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sarasota Police Department, with the assistance of the DEA and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, completed Phase II of SRQ Cartel II ending in April 2014. Phase II resulted in the arrests of 24 individuals stemming from a long term investigation. The arrests were made as a result of surveillance, search warrants and future investigation of phone records as a result of a T-3 State wiretap.
SRQ Cartel II Investigation Facts:
• 33 individuals arrested
• 5 individuals arrested were federally indicted by the DEA
• 14 Kilos of Cocaine recovered (Street value more than $532,000 — based on average of $38,000 / kilo)
• 5 automobiles seized under Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act
• 9 Search warrants executed
• 7 Firearms seized
This isn’t the first time a Crimson Glory member has met with law enforcement. Back in January 2007 singer John Patrick Jr. “Midnight” McDonald was arrested for DUI in Sarasota Florida. For more on that incident, including his mug shot go HERE!
Content above courtesy of Brave Words
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