The leaders of a violent street gang in Oviedo are now behind bars after several agencies conducted a heroin-trafficking bust that was led by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
- Leaders of "Oviedo Soldiers" sentenced to prison
- Authorities dismantle large drug-trafficking ring
- Annoucements were made Wednesday in Orange County
The arrests were announced Wednesday morning.
Orange County detectives have been tracking the gang, known as the "Oviedo Soldiers," for more than two years. They believe the people arrested are some of the main heroin and cocaine dealers in the area.
“This gang has existed since 2000 and is known to use violence towards law enforcement and to further their drug trade and other illegal activities,” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said Wednesday.
Danny Hampton, 36, faces several charges, including conspiracy to distribute heroin. Also arrested on similar charges were Freddrick Dorr, 46; James Dellafield, 24; Beth Farber, 30; and George Materazzi, 36.
Hampton’s sentencing will be heard in October. The other members of the “Oviedo Soldiers” took plea deals, and now face a range of three to seven years in jail.
The group has been in operation for about 17 years, and the two-year-long investigation began following a Crimeline tip.
"You can rest assured it's not a matter of if we find you, but when," said Ronald Hopper, an assistant special agent with the FBI.