METH LAB DISCOVERED DURING SEARCH WARRANT IN SANTA ROSA BEACH; TWO ARRESTED
WALTON COUNTY, FLA— A search warrant uncovers a working meth lab in Santa Rosa Beach, leading to the arrest of two men now facing felony drug charges.
On Thursday, May 7th, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit executed a warrant at 56 Central 7th Street, a residence that has long been a significant nuisance for the surrounding neighborhood.
For quite some time, residents on Central 7th Street have reported heavy drug activity, suspicious traffic, and ongoing disturbances linked to the home.
During the search of an upstairs bedroom inside the house, investigators discovered a clear bag containing approximately 53.8 grams of methamphetamine.
The room belonged to Billy Ralf Simmons II, 54, of DeFuniak Springs, who admitted the methamphetamine was his. Simmons was arrested without incident and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. If convicted, Simmons faces a minimum mandatory sentence of at least 7 years.
A second upstairs bedroom contained a fully operational methamphetamine laboratory, including bottles with bi-layered liquids, chemical precursors, and equipment consistent with methamphetamine production. Testing revealed multiple containers of suspected methamphetamine oil totaling approximately 590.8 grams.
While investigators were still on scene, William Joseph Gay, 63, entered the residence through the rear door. The other occupants confirmed the meth lab was in Gay’s bedroom, where investigators also found documents with his name and address. Gay declined to speak with investigators and was arrested without incident.
Gay is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, 200+ grams, and manufacturing methamphetamine. If convicted, Gay faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years.
Both men were transported to the Walton County Jail and are awaiting first appearance. Investigators expect additional arrests in this case.