News Summary
Jacksonville authorities arrested Eyob Woldetensay and Adriann Hendon on felony drug charges following a tip about drug dealing near a church and school. Investigators discovered illegal drugs and firearms during a search warrant execution. The arrests highlight concerns regarding drug trafficking in the community. In a separate case, a man was arrested for animal cruelty at a drug crime scene. These actions are part of ‘Operation Knight Fall,’ aimed at addressing public safety and drug-related violence in the area.
Jacksonville – Two men, Eyob Woldetensay, 35, and Adriann Hendon, 51, were arrested on felony drug charges following an investigation stemming from a tip about drug dealing at a business located on North Main Street. The arrests were announced by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Investigators executed a search warrant at the property, which is notable for its proximity to a church and a middle school, leading to the discovery and seizure of illegal drugs and firearms.
Both Woldetensay and Hendon are facing charges for possession of illegal drugs with the intention to sell them within 1,000 feet of a place of worship. The specifics of the drugs and firearms found have not been disclosed, but the location of the business raises significant community concerns due to its adjacency to local schools and places of worship. These types of cases highlight ongoing issues related to drug trafficking and public safety in neighborhoods.
In a separate investigation, authorities confronted other serious criminal activities in Jacksonville. A 9-foot alligator was discovered at a different narcotics and dog-fighting crime scene. Marquis Lamont Williams, 49, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as animal cruelty and illegal possession of the alligator. Williams was held in jail on June 9, with bail set at $230,000, reflecting the severity of the crimes. Additionally, multiple dogs were found in neglectful living conditions accompanied by dog-fighting equipment.
Furthering the enforcement efforts, Vincent Allen Wiley, 38, was arrested following a traffic stop that led to a search warrant at his residence. Law enforcement seized an alarming 4 pounds of fentanyl, 1 pound of cocaine, 3 pounds of PCP, 38 firearms, and $52,000 in cash. Wiley is facing multiple charges, including fentanyl trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms related to drug trafficking activities. The significant amount of drugs and firearms found at his residence underscores the severity of the drug crisis affecting many urban areas.
These recent arrests are part of a larger operation called “Operation Knight Fall,” which lasted 18 months and led to the apprehension of thirteen suspects. This comprehensive investigation resulted in the seizure of 79 grams of fentanyl and 16 firearms linked to previous shootings, revealing a troubling nexus between drug trafficking and violence in the community.
Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that tips from the community play a crucial role in guiding law enforcement’s actions against illegal activity. The importance of community engagement is underscored by the recent arrests and seizures, which aimed to tackle the critical issues of drug trafficking, firearm possession, and related crimes that threaten public safety.
Residents of Jacksonville are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement, which could lead to similar significant actions against drug-related crimes in their neighborhoods. The city’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and associated violence continues to be a priority, as authorities aim to restore safety and trust within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Man Faces Felony Charges for Threatening Protesters
Tragic Death of Man Following Alligator Encounter in Florida
Local Deputy and Son Arrested in Major Drug Operation
Jacksonville Sees Arrests in Operation Against Child Solicitation
Trump Administration’s New Border Security Initiative
Panama City Beach Declares End to Spring Break Town Image
Panama City Beach Ends Spring Break Designation for Safety
Bizarre Naked Crimes Shock Florida Residents
Over 100 Detained in Colorado Springs Nightclub Raid
Jacksonville Man Charged in Second Homicide Case
Additional Resources
- CBS12 News
- Jacksonville.com
- First Coast News
- The National Desk
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Google Search: Jacksonville drug arrests
- Google Scholar: drug violence Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- Google News: Jacksonville crime June 2025
