By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
OKEECHOEE — On March 16, 2026, at approximately 2:02 p.m., a deputy with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, while working a paid detail in coordination with Okeechobee Music Festival (OMF) organizers, conducted a traffic stop at NE 120th Street and NE 128th Avenue on a gray Subaru SUV displaying an expired Maryland temporary tag. This enforcement effort was part of a focused initiative targeting inbound vendors and individuals attempting to bring illegal narcotics into the event.
During the stop, deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Patrick McGuire, along with passengers Matthew Shelby and Abigail Dalmacio. While a citation was being issued for the expired registration, K-9 Samba was deployed and conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle. K-9 Samba alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics, establishing probable cause for a search.
Detectives responded to assist, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.
During the search, deputies located multiple illegal substances, including cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, Xanax, marijuana, THC oil, and drug paraphernalia. All substances were field tested and returned positive results.
Investigators determined that Abigail Dalmacio was in possession of approximately 14.56 grams of cocaine, approximately 2.82 grams of Xanax, and less than 20 grams of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia.
Patrick McGuire was found to be in possession of approximately 16.69 grams of psilocybin, one LSD tablet, less than 20 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, along with items containing cocaine residue.
Matthew Shelby was found to be in possession of approximately 1.13 grams of cocaine, approximately 0.41 grams of ketamine, less than 20 grams of marijuana, THC oil, and drug paraphernalia.
The three were arrested on the following charges:
Abigail Dalmacio was placed under arrest for possession of cocaine (bond $2,500), possession of Xanax (bond $2,500), possession of marijuana under 20 grams (bond $500), and possession of drug paraphernalia (bond $500).
Patrick McGuire was placed under arrest for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (psilocybin) with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of LSD, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond will be set by a judge at first appearance.
Matthew Shelby was placed under arrest for possession of cocaine (bond $2,500), possession of ketamine (bond $2,500), possession of marijuana under 20 grams (bond $500), and possession of drug paraphernalia (bond $500).
All three subjects were transported to the Okeechobee County Jail without incident.
McGuire was additionally issued a citation for the expired registration. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and all evidence was collected and will be submitted accordingly.
This is a clear indication of continued efforts to ensure this week’s Okeechobee Music Festival (OMF), operated by Soundslinger, remains safe and enjoyable for everyone. It also sends a clear message: Come to have fun, but be prepared to have your “fun” stopped if you choose to bring dangerous drugs into our community, its events, or travel our roadways while doing so.
