5 Face Felony Drug Charges After Bust

AVON PARK Five people are facing a number of drug charges following their arrest Friday in a "reverse sting operation" orchestrated by deputies with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies set up in the 200 block of Garrett Road, as it was identified as a high crime area and is notorious for illegal drug activity and violent crimes.

Capt. Randy LaBelle said an undercover agent was used in the sting operation.

"People would come through there and solicit our undercover to sell them illegal drugs," he said.

John Paul Doty, 36, of 1555 W. Taunton Road, Avon Park, was arrested on charges of purchasing cocaine and possession of cocaine, both felonies. He was released from jail on a $6,000 bond.

Edwardo Hernandez, 49, of 15 B E. Adams St., Avon Park, faces counts of purchasing cocaine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia, a felony. He was released on a $6,500 bond.

Scott Patrick Lang, 40, of 3833 Pineview Drive, Sebring, was charged with purchasing cocaine and possession of cocaine. He is out on a $6,000 bond.

Eliut H. Ojeda, aka Eliut Curz, 49, of 1108 W. Hall St., Avon Park, was arrested on charges of purchasing marijuana, a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence, all misdemeanors. He was released on a $2,500 bond.

Noel Perez, 40, no address listed, is charged with purchasing marijuana and possession of marijuana. He remained in jail Wednesday in lieu of a $1,500 bond.

All five have a court appearance set for Dec. 15.

In each instance, the defendants approached the undercover agent and paid for the illegal drugs in cash, which led to their arrest.

During his arrest, Ojeda was instructed by deputies to get on the ground, but did not comply, according to the arrest report. He resisted authorities who tried to place him under arrest, leaving some with minor injuries.

HCSO deputies Sharon Pridgeon, John Singha and Ernest Gelinas made the arrests.