CRYSTAL RIVER, Florida — A large-scale investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has led to the takedown of an illegal opioid pill mill operating out of a local medical facility.Operation "Flip the Script," conducted by the CCSO's Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), uncovered that Tri-County Medical Center, LLC, located at 7393 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, was illicitly distributing controlled substance prescriptions, primarily opioid-based medications. The investigation revealed that 39,905 prescriptions, totaling at least 3,413,377 pills, were issued illegally, according to the CCSO.The medical center's owner, Ernest Bernard Scriven, 46, of Lecanto, and an employee, Kendra Lynn Johnson, 35, of Inverness, were found to be orchestrating the distribution of these prescriptions to non-legitimate patients in exchange for cash payments. Undercover operatives from the TIU and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) secured multiple prescriptions without visiting the facility or being examined by a doctor.On June 12, 2024, coordinated federal and state search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of records and the arrest of Johnson. Simultaneously, a state search warrant at Scriven's residence resulted in his arrest and the discovery of trafficking amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis, prescription medications, firearms, and documentation linking him to criminal activity at the medical facility.Additional search warrants at storage units rented by Scriven led to the seizure of multiple vehicles, trailers, vessels, and further evidence of illicit operations. Notably, 160 firearms were recovered, 156 of which were linked to a 2019 burglary in Hernando County. David Alfonso Henriquez, 37, of Crystal River, was charged in connection with the burglary and trafficking in cannabis.Shalena Tashaca Scriven, 44, of Crystal River, was also arrested for trafficking in Oxycodone and conspiracy to traffic Oxycodone after it was discovered she had been receiving prescriptions without being a legitimate patient."Shielding a limitless illicit narcotic operation behind the same laws and regulations meant to protect our citizens is despicable," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Our outstanding partnerships with state and local agencies were instrumental in bringing this case to light."The investigation is ongoing, with CCSO and partnering agencies working to determine the full extent of the illicit prescriptions issued. The following individuals have been arrested with additional charges pending:- Ernest Bernard Scriven, 46, of Lecanto: - Racketeering (The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) - Trafficking in Oxycodone (3 Counts) - Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communication Device (2 Counts) - Trafficking in Methamphetamine - Possession of Fentanyl - Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Distribute - Trafficking in Cannabis over 25 pounds (3 Counts) - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Residential Search Warrant) - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (157 Counts) - Bond originally set at none.- Kendra Lynn Johnson, 35, of Inverness: - Trafficking in Oxycodone (6 Counts) - Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communication Device (4 Counts) - Bond originally set at none.- Shalena Tashaca Scriven, 44, of Crystal River: - Trafficking in Oxycodone - Conspiracy to Traffic Oxycodone - Bond originally set at none.- David Alfonso Henriquez, 37, of Crystal River: - Trafficking in Cannabis - Grand Theft of a Firearm (156 Counts) - Bond originally set at none.The Citrus County Sheriff's Office remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring justice for the community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to contact the CCSO at 352-249-2790.
Most Popular
Comments / 0