HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) concluded a two-day targeted operation this week, primarily focused on enhancing safety in the eastern part of the county. The operation resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics and firearms.
The operation, conducted on May 22nd and 23rd, 2025, by HCSO’s Street Crimes Units from all five patrol districts, led to 43 arrests and 188 traffic stops. Authorities emphasized the initiative was a proactive measure to prevent violent crime and maintain neighborhood security.
“Our mission is simple—protect the people of Hillsborough County,” stated Sheriff Chad Chronister. “When individuals threaten the safety of our community through reckless driving, gun crimes, or the trafficking of deadly narcotics like fentanyl, our deputies act swiftly and decisively. These operations send a clear message: safety in our neighborhoods will never be compromised.”
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The crackdown yielded significant results in terms of contraband removed from circulation. Deputies seized three firearms and a substantial quantity of various illegal substances. Notably, over 130 grams of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, were recovered. Other confiscated drugs included cocaine (3.3 grams), cannabis (79.1 grams), methamphetamine (10.8 grams), oxycodone pills (2.1 grams), spice (23.4 grams), MDMA (1 gram), and THC resin oil (53.2 grams).
Several key arrests were highlighted by the Sheriff’s Office:
Dexter Myers, 58, was apprehended in Orient Park on May 22nd due to an active felony warrant for violations related to his status as a registered sex offender.
A dramatic incident on the same day involved Maxie Eddins, 49, and Jenna Clary, 32, who were arrested after allegedly fleeing from deputies at high speed through a residential neighborhood and onto Interstate 4. Clary was reportedly found in possession of more than 127 grams of fentanyl. Eddins, described as a repeat offender with a history of narcotics violations, faces charges including fleeing law enforcement, false imprisonment, and possession of cocaine.
On May 23rd, Nicolas French, 31, identified as a documented MPR gang member and criminal registrant, was arrested near Bloomingdale Avenue and Hoover Street following a traffic stop. He was allegedly found with cannabis sativa resin and drug paraphernalia.
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According to HCSO, French has a significant criminal history, including convictions for burglary, grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle, armed burglary, and felon in possession of a firearm, and previously served six years in Florida State Prison.
“These arrests reflect our commitment to protecting families and ensuring the safety of every community we serve,” he added. “Through teamwork, intelligence-driven enforcement, and relentless follow-through, we’re building a safer Hillsborough County—one operation at a time.”
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