Operation Ice Break, an extensive, multi-jurisdictional narcotics investigation conducted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office from 2024 to 2025, has led to the arrest of 14 individuals and the filing of 40 felony charges. This operation, targeting large-scale trafficking networks of fentanyl and methamphetamine, spanned multiple counties, culminating in the dismantling of significant drug distribution networks and the removal of high-level traffickers from the community.
Among the individuals arrested are:
- Michael Chad Bennett, 47, Sarasota, charged with multiple counts, including trafficking in methamphetamine and fentanyl, and sale of a controlled substance
- Trisha Steffes, 44, Venice, charged with conspiracy and trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine
- Andrew Scott, 32, Bradenton, face charges related to conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and fentanyl
- Kaitlyn Dupre, 28, Bradenton, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and fentanyl
- Peter Thibodeau, 48, Sarasota, charged with conspiracy to traffic in both methamphetamine and fentanyl and trafficking in methamphetamine
- Rockford Upton, 57, Bradenton, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine
- Ashley Wehrlen, 41, Sarasota, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine
- Alyssa Duross, 25, Nokomis, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and trafficking in methamphetamine (200g or more – Pasco County)
- Jamie Edwards, 42, Palmetto, charged with conspiracy to traffic in Fentanyl
- Dora Jean Dixon (Wilson), 59, Sarasota, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine
- Walter Lint, 59, Nokomis, charged with possession of a controlled substance (hydromorphone)
- Jesus Pineda, 39, Sarasota, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (2 counts) and trafficking in methamphetamine (200g or more – Pasco County)
- Eric Walker, 45, Ona, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (2 counts)
- Jason Straub, 42, Englewood, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (2 counts) and trafficking in methamphetamine (200g or more – Pasco County)
Two individuals have not been arrested but have outstanding warrants for the following charges:
- Jo’Kevious Bell, 34, Bradenton, charges related to conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and fentanyl (3 counts)
- Timothy Chipman, 50, Arcadia, charges related to conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine
Several defendants are facing mandatory minimum sentences due to trafficking thresholds. Operation Ice Break highlights the commitment of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to combat the opioid crisis and protect communities from the dangers posed by illicit drug trafficking. The level of coordination and collaboration among our sheriff’s office units, as well as with our state and federal partners, has been exceptional.