Drug raid nets five for the second time

Community Affairs Officer Barbara Stevens reported to Historic City News that for the second time in the past thirty days, the St. Augustine Police Department has made arrests incidental to serving a search warrant at a residence on the corner of Flagler Boulevard and Gerado Street in Davis Shores.

The duplex building built in 1964, which is known by addresses on both Flagler Boulevard and Gerado Street, is owned by Alton W. and Kathryn S. Cope, according to records in the office of the St. Johns County Property Appraiser.

Following the arrests and community complaints, the police are saying it is nothing more than a drug house in a residential area and they are shutting it down. Dangerous chemicals and paraphernalia used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were seized in the house last month.

Arrested in February were Luke M. Paulsen (DOB 02/26/1985) and Amanda L Graves (DOB 02/20/1983) were both charged with manufacturing methamphetamines.

Gina M Guinn (DOB 05/05/1987) and Gary S Johnson (DOB 05/20/1974) were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

And, Nicholas D Hawkins (DOB 05/24/1980) has been charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

Shortly after the defendants Gary S. Johnson Sr. and Gina M. Guinn-Johnson posted bail and were released from custody, complaints of illegal drug dealings at the residence resumed. St. Augustine Police began another extensive investigation into the activities at the residence and obtained sufficient cause to be granted a new search warrant.

When the warrant was served this morning, police found the two tenants, Gary S. Johnson Sr. (DOB 05/20/1974) and Gina M. Guinn-Johnson (DOB 02/05/1987), in the house sleeping.

Also present in the house was Ryan Halasz (DOB 04/04/1985), Denise Nottingham (DOB 01/15/1985), and James Keeny (DOB 11/20/1972).

Police found cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and prescription pills inside the residence. No one inside the home had a valid prescription for the pills found. All five people were arrested and taken into custody.

Gary Johnson was charged with maintaining a drug dwelling and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gina Johnson was charged with marinating a drug dwelling, two counts of possession of control substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Halasz and Nottingham were both charged with possession of cocaine, two counts of possession of controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Keeny was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with any information concerning this crime or who may know the identity of those involved is asked to contact detectives with the St. Augustine Police Department at (904) 825-1074. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer