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Crystal River and Beverly Hills Men Arrested in Major Heroin and Cocaine Bust

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – On Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) executed a search warrant at 11 S. Desoto St. in Beverly Hills.

Police arrested 30-year-old Maurice Evans of Crystal River and 55-year-old Clarence Bryant of Beverly Hills on multiple drug charges.

Detectives with the TIU gathered intelligence and determined that nine-time convicted felon Evans and ten-time convicted felon Bryant, both of which occupied the residence, were heavily involved in illicit drug activity.

Further investigation revealed that Evans was responsible for $10,000.00 worth of heroin being distributed on the streets of Citrus County every week.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives discovered numerous items of paraphernalia consistent with illicit drug sales such as scales, measuring cups, plastic baggies, razor blades, and multiple cell phones.

Investigators also located a safe which contained approximately 54 grams of heroin, 49 buprenorphine patches, along with $7,300.00 in cash. Both individuals were arrested and charged as follows:

Maurice Evans was charged with:

  • Trafficking in heroin (approx. 54 grams) Possession of a controlled substance (buprenorphine) Rent/Lease/Own drug dwelling (with minor present) Possession of paraphernalia
  • With a total bond of $63,000.00

Clarence Bryant was charged with:

  • Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) Possession of a controlled substance (heroin) Rent/Lease/Own drug dwelling (with minor present) Possession of paraphernalia Driving while license suspended (habitual offender)
  • With a total bond of $20,000.00

“Our office is extremely grateful that the minor child who resides at this house was not present during this search warrant,” said Sheriff Prendergast.

“We are also thankful knowing the arrest of Evans and Bryant will result in the shutdown of a main supplier of heroin in Citrus County. Back in 2017, detectives arrested Evans’ brother, Joseph Evans, in what was our agency’s largest heroin bust at the time with 56 grams seized. Joseph Evans was ultimately sentenced to 33 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. If this is your family’s business, the time to get out is now, we will show no mercy in our pursuit to arrest you in our efforts to save countless lives.”

“The safety and welfare of our citizens is the driving factor behind shutting down illicit drug activity such as this. The arrest of those trafficking illicit drugs will aid in the reduction of drug overdoses reported to our office.”

If you believe illicit drug activity to be occurring in your neighborhood, please contact deputies at (352)249-2790 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous.


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