Drugs, money, pills in High Springs home

Photo 1: Otis Edison Clements; Photo 2: Frederick Jerome Giddens

Two men were arrested Friday, July 1, 2011, after police served a search warrant on a residence at 23372 NW 180^th Avenue in High Springs.

Citizen complaints of illegal drug activity at the home reportedly triggered an investigation by the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) in conjunction with the Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task (GACDTF).  The residence shares a property line with a daycare, increasing the penalties on those convicted of drug crimes in that location.

Police arrested 25-year-old Fredrick Jerome Giddens and 31-year-old Otis Edison Clements at the residence and charged both men with several felony and misdemeanor drug crimes.  They were both booked in the Alachua County Jail.

According to a press release, police found cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills and cash at the home.

The investigation started several months ago when authorities identified the residence as a major distribution point, said HSPD Chief James Troiano.

“After the warrant was served and the arrest made, we placed the sign on city property next to the Durr home.

“We now have full cooperation from Gail Durr, the property owner, to keep people away who are not authorized to be on her property,” he said.

HSPD is working with local property owners to install a fence on NW 180th Avenue and NW 179^th Place, to block a pathway, said Troiano.

“The main use of the path has been to facilitate the ability certain people have to sell drugs,” he added.

Giddens is being held in jail on $110,000 bond and is facing six felonies and six misdemeanor charges.

Clements remains in jail on a $121,000 bond and has been charged with nine felonies and five misdemeanors.