On Friday, a search warrant was executed by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit, supported by the HCSO SWAT team, in Spring Hill.
While carrying out a warrant at a residence on Ashland Drive, deputies reported that 48-year-old Steven James Thurman Cline managed to escape through the back of the house and was located at a neighboring property. Detectives reported discovering a significant cache of narcotics, seven firearms, body armor, and a ballistic shield marked “Police” during the search.
Following the reading of his rights, Cline asserted that the narcotics, firearms, shield, and body armor belonged to him.
The inquiry disclosed that the protective gear was obtained in exchange for narcotics, as stated by the sheriff’s department.
Authorities report that this marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation spanning several months, which involved multiple traffic stops originating from the location and led to arrests related to methamphetamine trafficking.
Cline is identified as a notorious figure from Florida with an extensive background in criminal activities, as reported by authorities. Officials report that he faces 38 felony charges and has 14 felony convictions on his record.
Cline’s charges as a result of the search warrant include:
- Resisting without violence
- Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by a convicted felon (7 firearms)
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Suboxone)
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of Alprazolam
- Possession of Marijuana more than 20g
- Possession of Paraphernalia
- Possession of a New Legend Drug without prescription
Ashley Dawn Cline, 37, has been taken into custody. According to law enforcement, she was on probation for possessing a controlled substance and faced a total of six felony charges.
The search warrant has led to the following charges against her:
- Violation of Drug Offender Probation
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance(Suboxone)
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Alprazolam)
- Possession of Marijuana less than 20g
- Possession of Paraphernalia
- Possession of a New Legend Drug without prescription
Darrell Floyd Kearce, 52, was also arrested and charged with:
- Possession of Marijuana less than 20g
- Possession of Paraphernalia
Units from various departments, including Vice and Narcotics, SWAT, K9, Forensics, District Deputies, and COPPS, collaborated on the investigation in Hernando County.
