ALM COAST, Fla. – Three men were arrested after a Flagler County overdose death investigation led deputies to search a Palm Coast home, where authorities say they discovered fentanyl and evidence that occupants attempted to destroy narcotics before a SWAT team entered.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said its Special Investigations Unit, Major Case Unit and SWAT team executed a search warrant on Aug. 6 at a residence at 1 Roxbury Lane. The warrant was obtained as part of an ongoing investigation into an overdose death that occurred in July.
As SWAT deputies approached the residence, they allegedly saw 39-year-old Michael McDermott run from the back patio toward the main bedroom. Deputies also saw several other occupants move from the living room into the bedroom.
SWAT deputies breached the front door and secured four people without further incident. Among them were McDermott, Matthew Green, 38, and Kavin Price, 50.
Fentanyl Found Inside Home
During the search, detectives reported finding fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in plain view throughout the residence.
Investigators also discovered multiple ripped and wet plastic bags in the shower.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives determined that the condition and location of the bags, combined with the occupants’ movements toward the bedroom as deputies arrived, were consistent with an attempt to destroy evidence.
McDermott, Green and Price were each arrested on charges of possession of fentanyl, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia. McDermott was additionally charged with obstruction without violence.
The fourth person inside the residence was not arrested.
All three suspects were taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Price was later released on a $6,500 bond. McDermott was being held on $7,000 bond, while Green’s bond was set at $6,500.
Sheriff Says Overdose Death Investigation Continues
Sheriff Rick Staly said investigators are continuing to determine who supplied the drugs connected to the July overdose death.
“This warrant started from an investigation into an overdose death, and we will continue that investigation until we can hold the poison peddler who caused that death accountable,” Staly said.
According to the sheriff’s office, all three men have previous arrest records in Flagler County.
McDermott has been arrested 15 previous times in the county, including arrests involving fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. His previous arrests also include kidnapping, aggravated assault, grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and resisting an officer with violence. He has previously served a state prison sentence.
Green has 13 previous Flagler County arrests, according to the sheriff’s office, including a narcotics-related arrest for the sale of oxycodone. His prior arrests also include robbery with a firearm and burglary of an occupied dwelling. Authorities said he has served multiple state prison sentences.
Price has eight previous arrests in Flagler County, including an arrest for possession of a controlled substance. He has also previously been arrested for unlicensed carrying of a firearm and probation violations and has served a state prison sentence.
“These dirtbag poison peddlers all have lengthy arrest records. It’s time they all go to prison,” Staly said.
The sheriff’s office said the overdose death investigation remains active and that additional charges could be filed as detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.