Breaking news — Drug bust leads to arrest of 11 Nassau residents; one still wanted

By WENDI ZONGKER

wendi.zongker@mynassausun.com

Eleven Nassau County residents were arrested this month for their involvement in a family drug ring discovered during a nine-month undercover drug investigation conducted by the Fernandina Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency, according to a FBPD press release Tuesday.

The drug ring is believed to have sold as much as 6 to 10 ounces of cocaine per week in Nassau County.

Christopher T. Brown was arrested this month and is believed to be the ringleader of the organization. An arrest warrant has been issued for Brown's brother, Benjamin Simmons, according to the release.

Others arrested during the investigation include Angela Johnson, Anthony James, Leighton Morris, Ronald Morris, Leroy Perkins, Earl Coleman, Derrick Owens, Deatra Smith and Charlie Roberts.

Investigators said they were charged with a total of 57 criminal counts, most of which were for the sale and delivery of crack cocaine.

Investigators said William Hunt, Joseph Green, Nikita Geter, Edward Gainey and Tangela Williams were previously arrested for other offenses but will face additional charges related to the drug ring.

James Herring was arrested for disorderly conduct while investigators were trying to serve one of several search warrants.

The investigation is on-going and more arrests are possible.

For more on this story, see Saturday's My Nassau Sun.