When Lake City’s code enforcement officer visited a residence for warrants on code violations recently, she discovered a lot more than just the unpermmitted renovations and utility installation expected - several dogs in poor condition and with healing wounds and scarring consistent with dog fighting and more.
The dogs were confiscated, and ultimately the case led to the arrest of two men who were transported to the Florence County Detention Center in Effingham. Additional arrest and charges may be pending.
- Quadez Tyquan Franklin, 22, of Lake City, remains in the detention center with bonds totaling $55,000 for:
- 6 counts of animal fighting/baiting
- Manufacturing/procession of Schedule I, II, or III drugs
- Distribution of marijuana with ½ mile of a school
- 2 counts of conspiracy/criminal conspiracy
- Tyrell Devonte Elmore, 28, of Conway, remains in the detention center with bonds totaling $55,000 for:
- 6 counts of animal fighting/baiting
- Manufacturing/possession of Schedule I, II, or III drugs
- Distribution/possession/manufacturing of crack cocaine near a school
- 2 counts of conspiracy/criminal conspiracy
The arrests are just a couple of the most recent criminals removed from the Lake City community.
“Over the past several months officers with our Community Response Team, or "CRT", Narcotics Division, and our patrol officers have been effectively combatting the criminal element within the city limits,” said Lake City Police Chief Patrick Miles. “Our officers have made over 50 arrests with 46 being felony arrests. In doing so, officers have uncovered crimes such as dog fighting, animal cruelty, drug manufacturing and distribution, and more.”
In total, Lake City officers have:
- Seized over 30 firearms, (several modified to operate as a machine gun)
- Confiscated nearly 6 pounds of marijuana
- Made several cases when combined involve trafficking amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine as well as cocaine base "crack cocaine" and heroin
- Executed search warrants seizing over $23,000 in U.S. Currency that was used or positioned for use in furtherance of criminal activity at various locations throughout Lake City.
“Our officers are doing an outstanding job and will continue to operate within their skillset,” said Miles. “Every case and every conviction is a step forward for the entire city.”
If you have information on criminal activity in Lake City, please contact the Lake City Police Department, (843) 374-5411, or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS. Information may be provided anonymously.