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SWAT makes drug bust at hotel
Genevieve Curtis reports.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Four people are facing felony drug charges after a long-term investigation at what Pinellas Park police call a "problem hotel."
The backstory:
The Pinellas Park Police Department says SWAT officers and the Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Express Inn & Suites at 11333 U.S. 19 in the early morning hours on Tuesday.
Police say the raid came after detectives identified several people who were using the hotel as a base for drug deals, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids (aka "Spice").
The hotel is known to house short-term and long-term residents, including children, according to police.
Detectives arrested the following four suspects:
Valeri Schwab, 28
- Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (3 counts)
- Operating a drug house
Carlos Cruz, 49
- Sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (5 counts)
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)
Anthony Roberts, 38
- Operating a drug house
- Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (3 counts)
Brent Ryan, 38
- Violation of probation (fentanyl possession)
- Resisting an officer without violence
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Violation of probation
Why you should care:
The drug operation was situated next to a school for children with autism, raising significant safety concerns. Police emphasized the risk posed by the drug activity, especially with children and bus stops nearby.
What they're saying:
"Bringing narcotics into an environment where children are present is not only reckless, it's despicable," Pinellas Park Police Chief Adam Geissenberger said in a statement. "The Pinellas Park Police Department will not stand by while criminals poison our community and endanger our future generations. Today's arrest sends a clear message to those who choose to sell narcotics in Pinellas Park."
What's next:
While the raid addressed immediate concerns, police said the investigation continues.
The Source: This story was written with information from the Pinellas Park Police Department. FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis also interviewed a police sergeant on the SWAT team present for the raid and a witness off camera.