6 people arrested after gambling and drug raid at 207 Express in Hastings

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

1 2 minutes read

Police say undercover detectives purchased drug paraphernalia, engaged in electronic gaming activities within the business and participated in drug transactions.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Eight people were arrested after undercover detectives found four slot machines, a “large quantity” of drug paraphernalia, gambling equipment and approximately $400,000 in cash in a Hastings business in May, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. (SJSO) said Monday.

Police say the investigation, dubbed “Operation Express Jackpot,” unfolded over the course of a more than six-month investigation, with the sheriff's office receiving multiple tips from the community regarding illegal activity occurring at the gas station and convenience store. The gas station, 207 Express, is located on West Church Street, according to SJSO.

“Detectives began an investigation and discovered evidence of narcotics and illegal gambling activity on the property and inside the business,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Undercover detectives purchased drug paraphernalia, repeatedly engaged in electronic gaming activities within the business, and participated in several narcotics transactions in the parking lot. Using this information, officers executed a search warrant for the business. [on May 31]”.

The SJSO says it has obtained several arrest warrants for “suspects who sold and possessed narcotics.”

Here are six of the eight people arrested “so far” in the operation, according to police, along with their charges:

Hui Fang Iris Liu, 40, charged with use, possession, manufacture, delivery, transportation, advertising or retailing of drug paraphernalia.
Reginald Smith, 64, charged with distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a specified area
James Patterson, 49, charged with possession of cocaine and use or possession of drug paraphernalia
Yvonne Hall, 66, charged with use or possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substances without a prescription
Phillip Myers, 66, charged with possession of cocaine and use or possession of drug paraphernalia
Sherry Williams, 60, charged with distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a specified area and unlawful use of a two-way communications device

The SJSO search of the business also revealed several problems with electricity, food storage and cleanliness that “could affect the health and well-being of customers,” police said. As a result, the sheriff's office said the gas station and grocery store received several citations.

“This investigation is just one example of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to providing first-class customer service to our entire community,” Sheriff Robert Hardwick said in the release . “Please remember, if you see something, say something.”

Police say the investigation is still active, as anyone with information can provide it to detectives by contacting SJSO at 904-824-8304; To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS or email them at [email protected].