Sheriff announces arrests at nuisance home

St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar informed Historic City News today that during the past few months, deputies have been investigating various crimes in the Northwest District of the county — making arrests of several youthful offenders.

In a preliminary investigation begun on October 28th, sparked by statements and numerous complaints from the neighborhood, deputies placed a home in the 300 block of Maplewood Drive in St. Johns under surveillance.

Detectives observed 18 year-old Christopher William Jordan conducting several drug transactions from his residence. Jordan has been arrested on drug related charges in the past.

Within minutes of making the transactions, Jordan was seen getting into a vehicle. When deputies stopped the vehicle, they located marijuana in Jordan’s possession.

Jordan was charged with:

– possession of marijuana with intent to sell or distribute
– possession of drug paraphernalia
– violation of probation

The driver of the vehicle was issued a criminal citation and released.

Earlier this month, deputies arrested three men on various charges after a series of incidents at a residence in the 600 block of Remington Forest Drive in St. Johns.

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the residence on November 4th — leading to the arrest of 18 year-old Yared Teshome Alemayehu, who was charged with aggravated battery, false imprisonment, and depriving a victim of access to 911.

Deputies returned four days later in response to a call that someone at the address had made threats to shoot nearby residents.

The owner of the property, who resides out-of-state, was informed about the activity occurring in her home. She asked that the deputies remove all individuals from her property.

The officers followed the residents inside to collect their personal property. 18 year-old Cole Eugene Arnold who resides in Jacksonville and 18 year-old Brooks Forest Taylor who resides in St. Johns led the deputies to weapons in their rooms — a shotgun and an AK-47.

Deputies also located narcotics and paraphernalia throughout the residence, to include; Methamphetamine, LSD, Marijuana, and other pharmaceutical narcotics.

Arnold, Taylor and an un-named 17 year-old girl were charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. The juvenile girl was released to her parents.

The night wasn’t over. A short time later, E-911 operators received another call from neighbors reporting a possible burglary in progress at the residence. Witnesses said Yared Teshome Alemayehu made forcible entry to the home.

Alemayehu fled the scene prior to the Sheriff’s Office arrival but was located at a local bail bond agency where he was attempting to make bail for Arnold and Taylor.

Alemayehu was arrested for Burglary.

Investigators continue to conduct interviews and review additional evidence related to the possession of firearms and other items located at the residence.

Additional charges are pending the outcome of these investigations.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer