News from OCSO
OKEECHOBEE -- On July 25, 2025, members of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force, The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office SRT, and other Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office personnel executed a narcotic search warrant of a residence located at 12050 NE 26TH Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, after an ongoing narcotic investigation.
The target of the investigation was Melissa Marie Garza (D.O.B. 11/24/1981), who has three prior felony convictions involving narcotics. The Narcotics Task Force received information that Garza was selling methamphetamine from her residence. Multiple buys were made from Garza at her residence for methamphetamine, which provided the probable cause for the search warrant.
Prior to the execution of the search warrant, Alfonso Lares JR. (D.O.B. 04/26/1995) was seen leaving the area. Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol was able to stop the vehicle Lares was driving. Subsequently, Lares was arrested for not having a valid license, along with possession of methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids.
Lares was also in possession of ammunition. Lares is not permitted to own or possess ammunition as he has seven prior felony convictions.
The execution of the search warrant at Garza’s home was then conducted. Garza was located at the residence along with her two juvenile children, her disabled father, and other family members not believed to be involved in narcotic sales. During the search of the residence, methamphetamine was found in a quantity that qualifies as trafficking, as well as prescription pills and drug paraphernalia
Garza was transported to the Okeechobee County Jail and will be charged with multiple sales of methamphetamine, trafficking methamphetamine over 28 grams, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
