Lower Keys-Alcohol Coalition Checks

On June 24, 2022, The Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division along with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco conducted an operation checking businesses that sell alcohol in the Lower Keys. Ten businesses were checked. One of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor during our investigation. The clerks who sold the alcohol were issued a Notice to Appear citation before a Monroe County Judge.

The following business sold the alcohol:

  • Dion’s Quick Mart, 4908 Overseas Highway, Big Coppitt Key. The store’s clerk was issued a notice to appear citation for the sale of alcohol to a minor.

The maximum penalties for these violations are up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, $235 in court cost, $75 in cost of prosecution and $40 in cost of investigation against the sales clerk.

The licensee violations are:

1st Offense: $1000 fine and 7 day suspension.

2nd Offense: $3000 fine and 30 day suspension.

3rd Offense: Revocation of license.

The remaining businesses checked were in compliance with the law. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community.

Motorist arrested on drugs/gun charges

A 28-year-old Lake Worth Beach, Florida man was arrested Sunday following a traffic stop for DUI and a litany of other offenses.

In addition to DUI, Richard Anthony Rassi was charged with possession of more than 37 Xanax pills without a prescription, possession of marijuana, possession of a handgun while committing a felony and violating a domestic battery injunction for possessing a firearm and firearm ammunition.

The incident began at approximately 2:39 a.m. when Deputy Juan Carlos Marino observed a northbound white Chevrolet sedan on U.S. 1 traveling 60 mph in a 35 mph zone near Mile Marker 47. Deputy Carlos Mario stopped the car and observed that the driver, later identified as Rassi, appeared to be intoxicated.

Deputy Carlos Marino observed a small amount of marijuana in the car. The following were found following a search of the car:

  • A .380-caliber Glock handgun and magazine
  • 37.5 Xanax pills
  • 3.1 grams of marijuana

Rassi was taken to jail.

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