CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – The Citrus County Jail is at the center of a major federal crackdown after an 18-month investigation exposed a sophisticated smuggling ring involving inmates, outside associates, and facility staff.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that eight individuals now face indictments for flooding the CoreCivic-operated facility with narcotics, cell phones, and other illegal goods.
The investigation was sparked by a single discovery: a federal inmate caught with a prohibited cell phone. What started as a routine check evolved into a massive multi-agency operation involving the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Investigators used a combination of monitored communications and controlled deliveries to track how cigarettes, drugs, and communication devices were slipping past security.
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According to officials, the operation relied on the bribery of public officials to facilitate the flow of contraband.
Sheriff David Vincent took a firm stance on the breach of trust within the facility, stating, “For those that choose greed and criminality over doing what is right while wearing a uniform, I am coming for you in Citrus County. Tarnishing the reputation of what I consider some of the most noble professions on this planet is unacceptable.”
The federal indictments name eight people, facing a range of charges from bribery to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Among those charged are Justin Harvey, 50, of Inverness, and Courtney Smith, 35, of Brooksville, both facing counts related to the introduction of contraband and the acceptance of bribes.
Others indicted include Dekarri Nixon, 28; Joshua Gallimore, 31; Nicole Knecht, 43; Ashley Fraccalvieri, 41; April Vanzant, 58; and Ernest Grimaldi, 40.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the collaboration between local and federal partners for dismantling the network.
“To all my constituents and families of incarcerated citizens in Citrus County, my priority as your Sheriff is the safety of all citizens whether they are incarcerated or not,” Vincent added. The investigation remains a significant milestone in local efforts to maintain the integrity of the correctional system.
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