Monroe County, Florida – Law enforcement agencies working across the Florida Keys did not slow down for the holidays, making another arrest on Christmas Day as part of a large, ongoing narcotics investigation targeting fentanyl and cocaine distribution in the Lower Keys.
Special Operations detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rhonda Merle Stanfill, 44, of Big Coppitt Key, on December 25, according to authorities. Investigators say the arrest is part of a months-long, multi-agency crackdown focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks operating throughout the region.
Stanfill faces charges of selling cocaine and selling a controlled substance, specifically hydrocodone acetaminophen, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed. She is currently being held at the Monroe County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
Holiday arrest highlights ongoing investigation
Officials emphasized that the timing of the arrest underscores the continuous nature of the investigation, which has remained active through weekends and holidays. The operation has concentrated heavily on drug activity centered around Stock Island and Key West, areas that investigators say have been persistent hubs for illegal narcotics sales.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Stanfill’s arrest represents just one element of a much broader enforcement effort that has been steadily unfolding over several months. Detectives continue to identify suspects through undercover purchases, surveillance, and coordinated intelligence sharing among agencies.
Multi-agency task force involved
The operation brings together significant local and federal resources. Agencies involved include the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Key West Police Department, and several federal partners, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities say this level of cooperation has allowed investigators to track distribution networks more effectively and pursue higher-level cases tied to dangerous narcotics, particularly fentanyl. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that fentanyl’s presence in the Keys poses a serious risk due to its potency and the frequency with which it is mixed into other drugs without users’ knowledge.
Growing list of arrests and serious bonds
Stanfill is the latest name added to a growing roster of defendants connected to the investigation. Officials say bond amounts across the cases have varied widely, ranging from $25,000 to nearly $330,000, reflecting the severity of the charges and, in some cases, the proximity of alleged drug sales to restricted areas.
Previous arrests announced by authorities include:
- Damonta Derek Knowles, 39, of Key West, charged with selling fentanyl and cocaine within 1,000 feet of a restricted area and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony. His bond was set at $330,000.
- Humberto Hernandez, 65, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales and using a communication device to commit a felony. Bond: $240,000.
- Robert Lee Brown, 50, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales. Bond: $150,000.
- Zoryana Erica Brown, 28, with ties to Stock Island and Key West, charged with cocaine sales and using a communication device to commit a felony. Bond: $130,000.
- Isidro Fernandez, 40, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales. Bond: $50,000.
- Lourdes Nodal Santana, 59, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales. Bond: $50,000.
- Jasmine Isabel Maisonet, 43, of Stock Island, wanted on a warrant for fentanyl sales within 1,000 feet of a restricted area. Bond: $25,000.
Officials warn more arrests may follow
Law enforcement leaders have made it clear that the investigation is ongoing and far from complete. Additional arrests are expected as detectives continue to analyze evidence and follow leads developed through the task force’s work.
Authorities say the operation is designed not only to make arrests but also to reduce the flow of fentanyl and cocaine into local communities, particularly in residential areas and near locations designated as restricted zones under Florida law.
Community safety remains the focus
Officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and to report suspected drug activity to law enforcement. They note that community tips often play a critical role in identifying patterns and locations tied to narcotics distribution.
As the investigation continues to unfold, law enforcement agencies say they remain committed to addressing the public safety risks associated with drug trafficking in the Keys and holding those involved accountable under the law.
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