Sales tax probe leads to three drug arrests

An Alford, Fla., mechanic and tire salesman accused of pocketing the sales tax he collected is now facing drug charges as well.

His girlfriend is also charged with a drug-related offense, and one of his customers is facing possible deportation.

The incident leading to the arrest of Gulf Tire owner/operator Richard E. Stevens, his live-in girlfriend Kimberly Parker and customer Cruz Valdez occurred Monday afternoon.

Investigators with the Jackson County Drug Task Force went to Gulf Tire that day for two reasons.

They were there to serve a warrant on Stevens for alleged failure to pay sales tax, and had also received a tip that Stevens might be making methamphetamine in his shop. He and Parker also live there in a small, two-room dwelling.

After obtaining permission from Stevens, investigators searched the shop and found precursor chemicals used to make and use methamphetamine, according to a task force news release.

Authorities said they found Heet fuel treatment, a large number of matches, some iodine, pseudoephedrine cold pills, starter fluid, digital scales, glass smoking pipes and a bottle that had contained muriatic acid.

Stevens allegedly told investigators that some of the items were to be picked up later by other individuals “for the manufacture of methamphetamine.”

Stevens was arrested and charged with possession of listed chemicals, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of state probation out of Georgia on a methamphetamine-related offense — and failure to pay sales tax.

Kimberly Parker was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

While investigators were at the shop, Valdez drove into the parking lot. Officers noted several vehicle equipment violations and asked him to provide identification. He showed a driver’s license from Mexico, not valid in the U.S.

Investigators discovered Jackson County had issued a warrant for Valdez, for alleged failure to appear on previous driver’s license violations. He was arrested on the warrant. Methamphetamine, digital scales, and containers used to hide illegal contraband were also found in his vehicle.

He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a valid U.S. driver’s license.

The task force also contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to place a hold on Valdez for deportation. After his criminal charges are addressed, investigators say, he will be deported to Mexico if, as they suspect, he is not a citizen of the United States.