Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/313059
On Friday, May 9, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assis- tance of the Street Crimes Unit, arrested six people after conducting an undercover oper- ation in downtown Sarasota targeting the sale and possession of "designer drugs," the department has announced. The six individuals were arrested in the south- west parking lot of Sarasota City Hall, located at 1565 First St., a news release notes. "These substances are not safe alternatives to illicit drugs," said Lt. Pat Ledwith of the Criminal Investigation Division in the release. "Many times, they can cause serious harm and can even cause death. These are very dangerous substances and not manufactured for human consumption. Who knows where this stuff is made?" Ledwith continued in the release. "It could be made in someone's garage or bath- room. Do you want that in your body?" he added. Those arrested and the charges follow: • Ryan M. Jarecki, 28, a transient; Possession of a Designer Drug. • James E. Valentin, 24, of 2430 Huntington Ave., Sarasota; Sale of a Designer Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. • Anthony Dilorenzo, 30, of 507 Kumquat C o u r t , S a r a s o t a ; P o s s e s s i o n o f a Designer Drug. • Jack L. Cook Jr., 44, of 507 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; Possession of a Designer Drug. • Donald Gould, 50, a transient; Possession of a Designer Drug. • John W. Whitney, 44, a transient; Possession of a Legend Drug and Trespass After Warning. SIX ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH 'DESIGNER DRUG' DEALS James Valentin/Contributed photo John Whitney/Contributed photo Sarasota News Leader May 16, 2014 Page 92