Eight Arrested In Sarasota Drug Bust

SARASOTA, FL -- Eight people were arrested by Sarasota police earlier this week in a drug bust around the Rosemary District. Police were alerted to suspicious activity by area residents who voiced concerns during a recent community meeting with police officials.

"Sarasota police officers witnessed multiple hand-to-hand illegal narcotics transactions while near a playground at Gillespie Park and the area known as the Rosemary District," said Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department in announcing the arrests Thursday morning.

She said area residents told police they witnessed possible drug activity around 9th Street and Central Avenue, where the arrests were made on Monday.

"The illegal narcotics transactions included synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as spice," Judge said, adding that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe illness and even death.

Users can experience hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, violent behavior and suicidal thoughts, she said.

Judge said police seized 90 grams of spice.

Among the arrested were:

• Jason Davis, 47, of Sarasota, who was charged with sale or possession synthetic cannabinoids with intent to sell; possession of crack cocaine and resisting law enforcement without violence.
• Zachary Rausch, 32, of Sarasota, who was charged with purchase of synthetic cannabinoids.
• Cleo Brown, 52, of Sarasota, who was charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids 1000 feet of a park with intent to sell.
• Michael Winchell, 59, of Sarasota was charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids.
• Myeka Bouie, 37, of Sarasota was charged with sale of synthetic cannabinoids 1000 feet of a park.
• Ricardo Toro, 41, of Sarasota was charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids.
• Miguel Sanchez-Colon, 68, of Sarasota was charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids.
• Angela Salpas, 48, of Sarasota was charged with possession of synthetic cannabinoids and possession of drug paraphernalia.