By Anthony Payero
(CITRUS COUNTY, Fla.) The Citrus County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday a Citrus Springs Middle School teacher is facing charges of trafficking fentanyl in the area, according to WFLA.
Detectives from the special victims unit and members of tactical impact unit examined the home of Jeffrey Scott Brake, 52, of Dunnellon, on Monday. During the search, officials found opioids and methamphetamine in a recreational vehicle on the property.
The RV was equipped with two eyeglass cases filled with hypodermic needles and three plastic baggies, according to the sheriff's office. One contained 1.8 grams of crystals that were tested and proven to be meth. Another bag had 2.3 grams of a brown substance proven to be heroin, and the third had 4.1 grams of fentanyl.
Detectives found several guns, pill bottles and other drug paraphernalia belonging to Brake. They also located a glass pipe in Brake's pocket that tested positive for meth.
“We have zero tolerance for criminals like Brake who traffic life-threatening narcotics such as fentanyl,” Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “Narcotics are never a victimless crime. We will not rest until we hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
The 52-year-old was apprehended and booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility on the following charges, per WFLA:
- Trafficking in fentanyl
- Own/rent/lease a residence for the trafficking in a controlled substance
- Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
- Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
- Drug paraphernalia
The CCSO said the SVU is also examining another case involving Brake, which could include more information once it is completed.
In response to the allegations, the Citrus County School District distributed a statement saying it is working with the sheriff’s office and is holding its own investigation.
“All employees go through an FBI level 2 background screening,” Superintendent Sam Himmel said. “We will work to the fullest extent with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office as this investigation continues.”
Brake has worked in the district for 20 years, per WFLA.