for immediate release
February 6, 2004
N E W S R E L E A S E
A Crestview man has been arrested on three cocaine related counts after several
weeks of investigation.
The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force used a confidential source to make controlled purchases of powder cocaine from Kenneth Mario Bason, age 31 (3-18-1972), of 102 Oglesby Avenue, Crestview.
Bason was taken into custody last evening (Thursday evening) in Destin. He was arrested on charges of Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church; Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a School or Daycare facility; and Trafficking in Cocaine.
Cocaine transactions involving at least 28 grams are defined as trafficking by Florida law. Enhanced penalties for Trafficking in Cocaine near churches, schools, or daycare facilities mandate a minimum three years in prison upon conviction.
The Drug Task Force began investigating Bason in December, after developing information that a driver for a commercial delivery service was also functioning as a mid-level cocaine distributor in the southern portion of Okaloosa County. Investigation determined Bason took cocaine orders and made cocaine deliveries in the course of his legitimate rounds during his employment with a shipping service.
-30-
for more information contact Sgt. Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420