OKEECHOBEE — On March 11, 2026, the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force (ONTF), the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T., the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with additional members of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), served a probable cause search warrant at a residence located at 1820 NW 6th Street in Okeechobee following an ongoing narcotics investigation.

This investigation focused on the illegal sale of narcotics within the community, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Over time, the OCSO received numerous complaints regarding frequent traffic at the residence and suspected illicit drug activity. In the weeks leading up to the warrant being served, the OCSO Narcotics Unit along with the Community Action Team (CAT) made several narcotics related arrests involving individuals traveling to and from the residence. Investigators also received information that a young child was living inside the home.

During the service of the probable cause search warrant, deputies located and confiscated multiple illegal narcotics including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Investigators also located scales and a large amount of drug paraphernalia. Needles, burnt foil, and other items commonly associated with narcotics use were found scattered throughout the residence, including areas accessible to the child.

Six individuals were arrested at the scene and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail on charges including possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Those arrested were identified as 46-year-old Brandy L. Yorke, 50-year-old Jason Cooper, 37-year-old Jennifer N. Sheldon, 37 year-old Cody L. LaGrange, 57-year-old Gilbert Tagle Jr. and 72-year-old Kathy W. Carr.

Investigators confirmed that a one-year-old child was living at the residence. Due to the unsafe conditions and the presence of illegal narcotics and paraphernalia within reach of the child, Jason Cooper and Jennifer N. Sheldon received additional charges of child neglect. The Florida Department of Children and Families responded to the scene and took custody of the child and the child’s belongings pending further investigation.

Okeechobee County Code Enforcement also responded to the residence and determined the dwelling to be uninhabitable due to numerous code violations and the overall unsafe condition of the structure. The residence will be condemned.

This is not the first time law enforcement has taken action at this location. In August of 2024, the OCSO also served a probable cause search warrant at the same residence. During that investigation, Yorke and several other individuals were arrested on similar narcotics related charges.

The OCSO would like to thank the concerned residents who came forward with information regarding the activity at this residence. Investigations such as this often take weeks, sometimes months or even years to develop. The information provided by members of the community was instrumental in helping investigators identify the ongoing activity and ultimately gave us the edge needed to address what had become an eyesore within our community. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement and our citizens, this residence will no longer be a source of narcotics activity in our neighborhood.