Detectives Make Significant Carfentanil Arrests


News Release #: 17-114 - MAY 11, 2017


Michael Sandusky     Michael White
Michael Sandusky                                  Michael White

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Sarasota men on felony drug charges after a series of drug buys led detectives to recover more than 67 grams of Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Special Investigation Section detectives began their investigation in March by coordinating several drug transactions with Michael Sandusky, DOB 04/12/94, and Michael White, DOB 09/12/88. On four separate occasions in March and April, Sandusky sold suspected heroin twice and sent White twice more, to sell the drug on his behalf. Through testing, detectives confirmed the suspected heroin was actually Carfentanil.

On April 13, during another coordinated transaction at Sandusky’s home located at 4780 Theodore Avenue, Sandusky sold .21 grams of suspected heroin and during the transaction, a large quantity of the drug was seen inside his garage. Two hours later when Sandusky left his residence, detectives conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody. On the same day, with a signed search warrant, detectives seized cannabis, various drug paraphernalia, and a large quantity of suspected heroin, inside his home. Upon testing, detectives again confirmed the more than 67 grams of suspected heroin was Carfentanil. Sandusky was charged with three counts of Sale of Carfentanil, two counts of Principle to Sale of Carfentanil, Sale of Carfentanil within 1,000 Feet of a Church, Possession of Marijuana and two counts of Possession of Narcotic Equipment. Sandusky has seven prior arrests in Sarasota County for various crimes including Burglary, Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Xanax.

White, of 3040 Irving Street, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of Sale of Carfentanil. White also has prior arrests for Principle to Burglary, Criminal Use of Personal Identification, DUI, and more.

Both men remain in custody today. Sandusky’s charges carry a $229,000 bond and White is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.