Two arrested on drug charges

A man and woman from Jacksonville, Florida were arrested Thursday night after fentanyl and other drugs were found in their vehicle following a traffic stop.

Jeremiah Persyns, 38, and Ashley Caroline Young, 35, were charged with multiple drug-related charges, including trafficking in opium, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of pills without a prescription.

Deputy Juan Carlos Marino was on patrol at approximately 7:38 p.m. near 12th Street in Marathon when he stopped a Chevrolet sport utility vehicle with suspected illegal window tinting. The tinting was found to be in violation of Florida law. The driver, later identified as Persyns, stated he did not have his driver’s license. Persyns then provided a fake name. Deputy Marino observed a pipe on the floorboard as Persyns exited the vehicle.

Persyns and the passenger, Young, were detained.

The following were found during a search of the vehicle:

  • 9.9 grams of fentanyl
  • 6.6 grams of cocaine
  • 2 grams of methamphetamine
  • 1.8 grams of marijuana
  • Oxycodone and Xanax tablets
  • Four fake $100 bills Young stated were intended for purchasing drugs
  • Multiple syringes and pipes

Persyns and Young were taken to jail.

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Scams involving asphalt work reported

The Sheriff’s Office is warning residents again of suspicious incidents of asphalt workers arriving at residences, businesses or organizations and doing unsolicited work and then demanding payment.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents and business owners to always verify any contractor is licensed and report work that is unauthorized or under code.

Recently, an Upper Keys elderly man with dementia was scammed by men doing asphalt work at his residence.

This case was reminiscent of similar incidents in late 2020 when the Florida Keys were hit with a series of asphalt-related scams.

In many cases, the suspects threaten, harass, and otherwise intimidate victims while using spurious language. Sometimes they will tell the victim they have leftover asphalt from a previous job and ask if the victim wants it, leaving the impression the asphalt is free. They then perform the work and demand a large payment. In other cases, they may suggest a low price upfront and then demand far more when the work is completed.

In almost all the cases, the work is subpar and does not meet county code requirements.

The bottom line: Don’t allow workers to perform unsolicited work at your residence or business. Remember the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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