NEWS RELEASE 18-199 - DECEMBER 7, 2018
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office made five significant arrests related to the sale of methamphetamine following several undercover drug buys and a subsequent search warrant.
Detectives launched their investigation in the fall of 2018 after learning a white male was selling significant quantities of methamphetamine near the area of Myrtle Street and Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. Over the course of several weeks, detectives conducted six separate purchases through Shane Matz, DOB 01/10/81, of 3133 Myrtle Street. On all but two occasions, Matz provided the drug to undercover detectives through an acquaintance.
On Wednesday, detectives, with support from the agency’s Tactical Unit and SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at Matz’ home where they recovered more than a gram of methamphetamine, marijuana, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Detectives also located a pipe in a toilet where it appeared someone attempted to flush evidence. Water from the bowl was collected along with more than 7 grams of an unknown crystallized substance, for further testing. All five individuals involved in the investigation were arrested Wednesday and booked into the Sarasota County Jail.
Matz, a convicted felon, is charged with two counts of Sale of Methamphetamine, four counts of Principal to Sale of Methamphetamine, a single count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and a single count of Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.
Kathrine Hallock, DOB 09/08/81, is charged with Sale of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Marijuana.
Rebecca Hodges, DOB 09/02/83, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Sale of Methamphetamine.
Donald Mann, DOB 03/06/59, is charged with a single count of Sale of Methamphetamine.
Jennifer Holmes, DOB 10/06/72, is charged with a single count of Sale of Methamphetamine.
“While opioid use, abuse and addiction has been the prominent drug issue for years, we are now seeing the shift to methamphetamine,” commented Sheriff Tom Knight. “This drug is cheaper and purer which is overshadowing opioids such as heroin. Right now it’s important the community knows we will continue to pursue those who prey on people with addictions and hold those drug dealers accountable.”
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.