NEWS RELEASE

In the evening hours of May 16th, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (M.A.C.E.) Unit executed a search warrant in the 700 block of 19th Place as a result of a month long narcotics investigation. Detectives arrested Bernard Thomas Jr. (24), Eva Castellanos (19), Daylin Perez (19), and Cady Kepler III (27) all of Vero Beach.

Thomas was charged with sale of a controlled substance (Oxycodone), trafficking in a controlled substance (Oxycodone), possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Castellanos was charged with possession of cocaine, while Perez was charged with possession of less than twenty grams of marijuana and tampering with or destroying evidence. Lastly, Palmer was charged with possession of a controlled substance (Oxycodone) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Detectives believe Thomas had been supplying illegal narcotics in the Vero Beach area for some time.

As a result of the search warrant, more than $16,000.00 in drug money was located and seized along with eighty-seven (87) Oxycodone pills, more than ten grams of crack cocaine, two grams of powder cocaine, digital scales and drug paraphernalia, and two older model vehicles. Detective Sergeant Anthony Civita stated, “After we executed the search warrant, numerous citizens that reside in the apartment complex thanked our detectives for shutting down Thomas’ drug operation.” Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said, “Our M.A.C.E. Unit continues to eradicate these home grown narcotics networks through their relentless work each day. Others operating illegal narcotics operations in Indian River County should take note. We will come get you and we will seize your drug money and the vehicles you use.”

Anyone with more information about the activities of Thomas or other drug activity within Indian River County are encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.