For Immediate Release

September 26, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), along with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, arrested 6 people engaged in a narcotics drug trafficking organization (DTO). 

“This investigation is a testament to law enforcement partnerships,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “Thanks to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the S.A.F.E. program, these criminals will see justice for pedaling this poison in our community.”

“This is another fantastic example of the strong partnership between the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and FDLE,” said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco. “We are committed, alongside our law enforcement partners, to holding these people accountable who would introduce these terrible substances into our community. We have zero tolerance for those who would seek to cause harm.”

The investigation began in June 2025 when FDLE agents received a tip regarding a subject allegedly engaged in narcotics trafficking in Pasco County. Throughout the investigation, multiple undercover purchases of various narcotics were made. During these undercover operations, Christopher Templeton, 36, was identified as a local narcotics distributor.

The investigation revealed that at least two subjects, one as young as two years old, were fentanyl overdose victims directly related to this DTO. One victim was identified directly by Templeton to undercover agents.

On September 19^th, FDLE agents and Pasco County deputies conducted search warrants at multiple locations. Through undercover purchases and search warrants, agents seized over 2.7 pounds of fentanyl, a half pound of cocaine, a quarter pound of cannabis, 4 firearms, and over $1 thousand in U.S. currency.

In total, 6 people were charged in connection to the narcotics trafficking ring:

Christopher Templeton, 36
Arrested September 19, 2025
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl over 28 grams, 2 counts of trafficking in fentanyl over 28 grams, trafficking in fentanyl 4-14 grams, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and maintaining a residence for drug use
  
Corey Jones, Jr., 24

Arrested September 19, 2025
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl over 28 grams, tampering with evidence, trafficking in cocaine over 28 grams and armed trafficking in cocaine
  
Richard Mansco, 31
Arrested September 19, 2025
Charges: Trafficking in fentanyl over 28 grams, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl over 28 grams and unlawful use of a two-way communications device
   
Justin Hale, 30
Arrested September 19, 2025
Charge: Trafficking in fentanyl over 28 grams

Kelly White, 42
Arrested September 19, 2025
Charges: Possession of cocaine with intent to sale, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sale and possession of fentanyl

Daquan Woodard, 29
Arrested September 25, 2025
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl over 28 grams and unlawful use of a two-way communications device

The suspects were transported to Pasco County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit.

This investigation is currently active.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us