Gang Member Arrested on Fentanyl, Weapons Charges: Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — One day after announcing its deputies have fielded 891 heroin overdose calls resulting in 60 deaths since 2016 began, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a man on charges related to fentanyl distribution.

According to the agency, its special investigation unit has been working to track and identify heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil dealers. That ongoing investigation led the agency to obtain an arrest warrant for Dorian Gilmer, 21, on sale of fentanyl charges.

“Gilmer is affiliated with the Team No Sleep gang that was recently dismantled by the sheriff’s office with the arrest of 15 of its members,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Wednesday, Oct. 19 email to media.

See also: 891 Heroin Overdoses, 60 Deaths: Manatee County’s Year So Far

With the arrest warrant in hand, deputies tracked Gilmer to a home in the 5600 block of 19th Street West in Bradenton early Tuesday morning. Gilmer, the email said, tried to escape but was caught.

When a search warrant was executed at Gilmer’s home, deputies found two handguns. One of the guns was stolen, the agency said, and the other was a TEC-9 “with an extended magazine clip,” the email noted.

In addition to the guns, deputies seized 51 grams of fentanyl, the email said.

Gilmer now faces possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charges in addition to the original warrant charge.

On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office announced the arrests of 79 people over the past few months on charges related to heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil. Fentanyl and carfentanil are often mixed in with heroin sold to users, the agency noted.

See also: Gang Investigation Nets Multiple Arrests

“Fentanyl and carfentanyl are much stronger than heroin and are attributed to many of the fatal overdoses,” an email from Dave Bristow, sheriff’s office spokesman, warned.

Arrests related to the Team No Sleep gang were announced in late September. An investigation into the gang’s alleged activities began in January 2015.

“The gang was involved in violent street crimes and drug trafficking,” an email from the agency stated.

Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Jail