Sheriff: 11 arrested, 5 sought in Putnam County's Operation Gator Bait

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – In a mission called Operation Gator Bait, authorities attempted to serve arrest warrants on 16 drug dealers Wednesday in Putnam County, officials said.

The warrants were issued before dawn, following a four-month undercover investigation by the drug and vice unit of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

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Eleven suspects have been arrested and deputies are looking for the remaining five, officials said.

One of the suspects who remains at-large, Blake Jackson, is also sought in connection with a homicide investigation in Alachua County, deputies said.

During Operation Gator Bait, undercover detectives bought cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine or heroin from the suspects, deputies said.

The investigation spanned the entire county but focused on the Pomona Park area.

The following people were arrested: Kaitlyn Norris, 24; Christopher Currie, 45; Priscilla Parker, 52; Michael Wheaton, 52; Willie Simmons, 40; Carlos Simmons, 32; Daniel Arlon Holder, 29; Pervis Golden (no age was listed); Stephen Sobotta, 32; Amber Clymer, 27; and Clifton Williams III, 30.

Outstanding warrants remain for Vincent Mitchell, 47; Andre Hill, 35; John Pollock, 27; Edward Williams, 25; and Jackson.

The 7th Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tri-County Drug Task Force participated in the investigation, officials said.