Four of five arrested in Avon Park drug raid bond out

As students took notes and followed their lessons at Avon Park High School, the Avon Park Police Department raided a grow house just two blocks away.

By midmorning Wednesday afternoon, the department busted a grow house with about 40 cannabis plants at 12 S. Lantana Ave.

According to Interim Police Chief Michael Rowan, the home was equipped with a hydroponics lab.

Two doors down, 8 S. Lantana Ave. was also raided for drug-related activity. Officers found a 3-year old child in the home and discovered 22 firearms.

Between both homes, officers collected 25 firearms and made five arrests.
Those arrested are the following:

In the 8 S Lantana Ave home officers arrested:

Joshua Lee Smith, 22, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell and manufacture within 1,000 feet of a school or worship center and possession and or use of drug equipment. He was released from Highlands County Jail in lieu of $5,500 bond.

Christine Noelia Lankford, 20, was charged with possession of and or use of drug equipment, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and manufacture within a 1,000 feet of a school or worship center, and neglect of child without great harm. She was released from Highlands County Jail in lieu of $6,500 bond.

Michael Anthony Lankford, 22, was charged with possession and or use of drug equipment, neglect of a child without great harm, and possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams. He is still in Highlands County Jail. Bond has been set at $25,000.

Sue Lynn Sharp, 46, was charged with possession and or use of drug equipment, and marijuana possession not more than 20 grams. She was released from Highlands County jail in lieu of a $1,000 bond.

The owner of 12 S Lantana Ave., Joseph Salvatore Catalano, 26, was charged with manufacturing drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or a worship area, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, manufacturing hallucinogen and possession of drug equipment. He was released from Highlands County Jail in lieu of a $3,000 bond.

In the preliminary search of Catalano's home, the department estimated the value of marijuana to be significantly more, but after searching his home for several hours the street value was estimated to be between $15,000 to $20,000.

Firearms found in both homes were loaded. In the 8 S Lantana Ave., home officers found a 9 mm semi-automatic, revolver, SKS assault weapon, and a Glock.

The majority of the firearms were within reach of the alleged suspects and accessible to the child, Rowan said.

The child was taken into custody by the Department of Children and Families.

It was not clear if the two homes were connected in the alleged crimes. However, neighbors said that they saw people walking to and from both homes.

"I'm surprised there wasn't a pathway between the two homes," said Jerry Proctor, a concerned neighbor.

Doug Kizer, another neighbor, said that he saw people coming and going from the 12 S. Lantana Ave. home frequently.

"Every other night there were at least eight to 20 people there," he said.

The alleged crimes committed in the quiet middle class neighborhood sandwiched near Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and Avon Park High School took neighbors by surprise.

They stood outside their homes as armed officers secured the area.

The bikes and toys that peeked from a slightly open garage door showed a different picture from what officers found upon entering.

"There is little kids' stuff in there," said Interim City Manager Maria Sutherland, as she exited one of the homes after the raid, "What a shame."

Highlands County Animal Control picked up two pit bulls, one from each home and a kitten found in the front yard.

This is the department's sixth served search warrant related to narcotics activity, this year.

The home with the hydroponic lab has one room for growing and another that was used for drying and germination, Rowan said. He estimates that the grower invested several thousand dollars in equipment.

The city's code enforcement department also assisted in the call.

"Our main job is to bring back quality of life," Rowan said.

"We are going to rid the city of these bad elements," he added.