Published: January 19, 2009 02:25 pm      

ARREST MADE IN MAYO PHARMACY BREAK-IN

An arrest has been made in the burglary of a Mayo pharmacy last week. Chad Smiley was arrested Jan. 14 in connection with the theft of narcotics a day earlier from North Florida Pharmacy, according to Lafayette County sheriff’s reports. Smiley allegedly smashed the front window of the pharmacy in Mayo with a floor jack and made off with narcotics from the store safe.

Information from an anonymous informant led Sheriff Brian Lamb to Smiley, according to law enforcement officials. Smiley was located by Lamb at a local residence and later interviewed at the sheriff's office. Deputies gained consent to search the residence where Smiley was located. Authorities say evidence recovered during that search, in addition to information gained during the interview, led to Smiley's arrest.

Smiley was arrested by LCSO Deputy Chad Keen and charged with burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school and daycare facility.

The day after Smiley’s arrest, most of the stolen narcotics were located, resulting in the recovery of approximately 90 percent of the drugs stolen, authorities said.

During the course of the investigation the LOSO conducted an undercover drug operation that resulted in an additional arrest. Michael Owens was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school and daycare facility, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a controlled substance while operating a motor vehicle, said LCSO.

Deputies Randy Henderson, Geoff Condy, Riley Cranford and Dan Newbern assisted in the investigation