A multi-agency investigation led by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department has resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals allegedly involved in a major drug trafficking network, authorities announced last week.
- According to police, the operation began in March 2022, targeting the alleged distribution of fentanyl and other narcotics by Christopher Manuel Davis, 37, of Fort Walton Beach.
An initial six-month investigation led to a search warrant executed at Davis’s residence on September 8, 2022. Police say they found 48 grams of fentanyl packaged for sale, methamphetamine, and firearms. Davis was arrested on multiple narcotics and firearms-related charges but was released on bond the following day, according to authorities.
Investigators say the probe intensified in June 2023 when they suspected Davis had resumed drug distribution activities. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Pensacola Regional office through the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) Program, which was established by Governor Ron DeSantis to combat illegal fentanyl across the state.
- From September to December 2023, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and FDLE investigators conducted extensive surveillance on Davis and his suspected co-conspirators, reportedly identifying what they claim to be an illegal drug network. The investigation continued through April 2024, according to police.
On April 18, 2024, officers responded to a cardiac arrest call on Ferry Rd. and found Mitchell Kingsbury, 36, dead from an apparent overdose. Investigators allege that Amy Majeau and Andrew McLovich were involved in selling cocaine to Kingsbury. Police claim the substance contained fentanyl, which they believe led to Kingsbury’s death.
The following day, authorities report arresting Christopher Davis, Amy Majeau, and Shandra Beard with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Interdiction Unit.
- Davis faces four counts of fentanyl distribution, while Majeau and Beard are charged with conspiracy to sell, manufacture, or deliver fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Authorities say they executed search warrants at residences on Deluna Rd. and Meggs Dr., allegedly collecting additional evidence.
On April 25, a multi-agency operation led to the arrest of Cecelia Hill in Navarre and the alleged seizure of narcotics and a firearm. Andrew McLovich was reportedly arrested later that day, facing additional charges related to an April 15 overdose incident where he allegedly distributed a substance that police claim caused a man to overdose, requiring revival with Naloxone.
Between May 8 and May 20, 2024, law enforcement agencies report arresting the remaining suspected members of the alleged drug network. The 19 individuals arrested face charges ranging from racketeering and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
- On June 14, Amy Majeau and Andrew McLovich were charged with murder (overdose) in connection with Kingsbury’s death while already in custody at the Okaloosa County Jail.
Authorities state the investigation is ongoing, with more charges expected. They emphasize the impact of fentanyl distribution on the community, noting that Okaloosa and Escambia Counties have some of the highest rates of opioid overdose fatalities per capita in Florida, according to their data.
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department credits the success of the operation to resources provided by the SAFE Program and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and DEA. They state their approach aims to combat the opioid epidemic by targeting suspected suppliers and dealers while offering support to those affected in the community.
Anyone with additional information on this alleged drug trafficking network is encouraged to contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, the FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center, or the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
