PUNTA GORDA, Fla.–A Florida Sheriff known for cracking down on illegal substances had to arrest his own daughter in a methamphetamine sting.
Kristen Kent, 38, of Apalachicola, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine of more than 14 grams, drug equipment possession or use, and cocaine possession, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.
“The last person you ever want to arrest is one of your family members–especially your child,” Sheriff, A.J. “Tony” Smith said at a press conference.
The bust took place when deputies from Smith’s unit conducted a “controlled buy.”
“She delivered two ounces and that’s when she was arrested,” said Smith describing the events in which two women were charged.
Kent posted bond at $25,000 and was released according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s department.
“Methamphetamine does not discriminate & neither do we. It does not matter who you are—No one is immune or exempt,” Smith said via Facebook.
Smith made several more posts to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page about the arrest.
“When you work in law enforcement, do not take things personally,” Smith wrote on the Sheriff’s Facebook page on April 20. “There will be many challenging situations that you will face and you must rise above.”
The Florida Panhandle Sheriff has a reputation for “cracking down on meth trafficking” on social media. He often talks to community members about how to approach family members who have been impacted by addiction, in his quest to get meth off the streets. He describes addiction as “heartbreaking.”
Smith said that “drugs ruin families” and this experience was a “prime example of what it does to our communities, family, and friends.”
The sheriff said he will not give Kent any preferential treatment and will use the same “tough-love approach” with his daughter that he encourages with other families affected by methamphetamine and other drugs.
Smith wrote on Facebook, “Our hearts break over the grief meth causes all, whether you use it, sell it or love someone who is involved with it.”
Smith said he “believes there are more people involved” in the trafficking case and said that more arrests are expected, according to the police report.
The sheriff’s personal experience with the drug crime drew support from many in the Panhandle County that he serves.
“Talk about transparency. This had to (be) difficult for all involved and just proves how committed the FCSO (Franklin County Sheriff’s Office) is to (eradicating) this drug,” one Facebook commenter wrote.
