19 arrested in Volusia County 5-year meth ring, deputies say

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A large scale methamphetamine ring has been busted in Volusia County deputies said.

The sheriff’s office announced Thursday the arrests of 18 people accused of distributing the methamphetamine since 2011, including two kingpins, Ryan Prouse and Christopher Tsikuris, deputies said.

A 19th person was arrested Friday. Patricia Linger, 36, of Ormond Beach was arrested on charges of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, conspiracy to deliver hydromorphone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime.

Linger remains in jail on $125,000 bail.

"These individuals you see up here are responsible for bringing a lot of heartache, misery and even death to Volusia County," said Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson.

Deputies said the drug ring had been under constant supervision since July and the group has been responsible for distributing two pounds of crystal meth every month.

"We are very proud to have these individuals off the street and this major drug off the street, at least, temporarily," Johnson said.

Investigators nicknamed the undercover bust as “Operation Ice Aged,” a reference to meth’s street name and the aging effect that prolonged exposure to the drug often has on its users, deputies said.

During the undercover investigation, agents said they witnessed numerous times as drug deals went down. Investigators said Prouse and Tsikuris would give meth to lower-level drug dealers to sell throughout Volusia County. Tsikuris would buy the meth from a supplier in Valdosta, Georgia, and bring it back to the county to be sold, deputies said.

“There may be other rings out there, but we're going to dig around until we find them,” said Johnson. “The next ring that's out there better watch out. Next year, next month, whenever, they may be on the board up here to enjoy their day in the sunshine.”

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi also released a statement about Thursday’s operation: “Meth is a highly addictive drug that can be deadly to users and wreak havoc on families and communities,” Bondi said. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local, state and federal partners, this criminal organization funneling crystal meth into Florida is shut down.”

During the bust, agents seized 4 1/4 ounces of meth, along with 10 firearms, deputies said.

Deputies have arrested 19 of the 25 people they believe are involved in the ring.

Corey Dutler, 34 of DeLand, Jason McDowell, 41 of Port Orange, and Ryan Prouse, 31 of Port Orange, were arrested before Thursday’s drug bust announcement.

Armed with a series of arrest warrants, multiple VBI take-down teams fanned out across the county today beginning at about 8 a.m., rounding up the other suspects linked to the criminal organization. By noon on Thursday, agents had arrested 13 more people, while the search for nine more suspects with open warrants was continuing. The suspects were picked up on Thursday, and their charges are as follows:

Ryan Beaulieu, 39, Palm Coast: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $50,000

James Biggs, 37, New Smyrna Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine, solicitation to deliver hydromorphone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $125,000.

Megan Cogswell, 30, Port Orange, Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine, unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime and child neglect. Bond: $150,000.

George Dickson, 37, Ormond Beach: Trafficking in methamphetamine and conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine. Bond: $100,000.

Devon Fitzsimmons, 19, New Smyrna Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $50,000.

Clinton Herb, 43, DeLand: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $100,000.

Andy Hicks, 37, Bunnell: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, solicitation to deliver hydromorphone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $150,000.

Kristopher Hoskinson, 46, New Smyrna Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine, solicitation to deliver hydromorphone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $75,000.

James King, 40, New Smyrna Beach: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $100,000.

Joann Lendway, 52, Ormond Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $50,000.

Matthew Lewis, 29, Holly Hill: Conspiracy to deliver hydromorphone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $75,000

Paul Marchant, 28, New Smyrna Beach: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, unlawful transportation of currency and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $100,000.

Christopher Murray, 33, Daytona Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $75,000.

Martin Pell, 29, New Smyrna Beach: Solicitation to deliver methamphetamine, solicitation to deliver oxycodone and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $75,000

Christopher Tsikuris, 32, Daytona Beach: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate the commission of a crime. Bond: $175,000.

Cox Media Group