FL Sheriff Arrests Own Daughter For Meth: 'No One Is Immune Or Exempt'

FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL — A Florida sheriff recently reminded his community that no one is above the law — not even his own daughter.

The announcement comes after Franklin County Sheriff A.J. "Tony" Smith confirmed the arrest of his daughter, Kristen Kent, 38, who is facing several drug-related charges.

Her arrest stems from a narcotics investigation that also led to a second woman's arrest, Bailey Adaire Lee, 25. It's not clear if the two know one another.

Kent is charged with amphetamine traffic or methamphetamine 14 grams or over, drug equipment possession and cocaine possession.

"Methamphetamine does not discriminate and neither do we. It does not matter who you are — no one is immune or exempt," the sheriff's office posted with the hashtag "WeDontMethAround" to Facebook.

Lee is charged with two counts of amphetamine traffic or methamphetamine 14 grams or over.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Smith posted a video stating that despite "recent events," he remains committed to getting drugs off the streets of Franklin County.

"My commitment to ridding Franklin County of illegal drugs, particularly meth, couldn't be any stronger, and current events kind of make me more determined to make sure we keep these drugs away from our kids, keep them from our adults for that matter," Smith said.

According to Smith, he intends to launch new initiatives and programs aimed at reducing illegal drug activity in the county.

"When you elected me sheriff, one of the things you wanted to see was that Franklin County drug-free," he said in the video.

Smith said from 2019 to 2020, meth-related deaths in the county decreased from around 25 to about 10. However, he says, one death is still too many.

"Our hearts break over the grief meth causes all — whether you use it, sell it or love someone who is involved with it. If you want to break free from this lifestyle, we want to help you," the sheriff's office said.

For those in Franklin County who want to stop using drugs, the sheriff's office encourages people to call 850-653-5775.