MIRAMAR, Fla. – Michael Anthony Renteria, 35, was arrested Thursday in Miramar Beach after being wanted on a nationwide narcotics warrant from Texas. Renteria had been evading law enforcement for around five years, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).
The U.S. Marshals Task Force, including members of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Renteria at a hotel on Highway 98. When detained, Renteria initially attempted to pretend to be his brother. He had used this tactic previously during investigations related to his warrants in Escambia and Walton Counties.
Renteria denied his identity until authorities showed him photos of him and his brother, revealing that he had been carrying his brother’s Texas ID card.
In addition to the charges related to the narcotics warrant, Renteria faces charges of providing false information to law enforcement. He was booked into the Walton County Jail following his arrest.
