OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (CBS12) – A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the arrest of four convicted felons in Okeechobee, with authorities seizing large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition.
On March 6, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), in collaboration with the DEA, Narcotics Task Force, and SWAT team, executed a search warrant at 804 NW 12th Street, targeting an alleged drug distribution network.
Primary Targets: Corey Hardey & Melissa Carnley
Authorities identified Corey Hardey, 42, and Melissa Carnley, 38, as the main suspects, accusing them of selling large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs from their residence.
Hardey, a convicted felon with 26 prior felony convictions, was released from prison last year. He now faces multiple felony charges, including:
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a church
Resisting arrest without violence
Possession of drug paraphernalia
His bond is set at $1.706 million, according to OCSO.
Carnley, who has five prior felony convictions, faces similar charges, with her bond set at $1.406 million.
Additional Arrests
Two other felons, Linda Carnley and Calina Kimla, were also arrested. Both women, who have two prior felony convictions each, were charged with:
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Resisting arrest without violence
Their bonds were set at $110,000 each.
Sheriff’s Statement on the Bust
Sheriff Noel E. Stephen emphasized the importance of the operation, stating:
“The presence of fentanyl and firearms in our community is a serious threat, and we will continue to pursue those who choose to endanger lives by engaging in drug trafficking. We are committed to keeping Okeechobee safe and holding criminals accountable.”
The successful drug bust marks another step in the ongoing fight against fentanyl and organized drug crime in Florida.