Motorcycle-Mounted Camera Clears Name of Deputy Arrested for Reckless Driving

All charges against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Dylan Gentry have been dismissed after video evidence disproved allegations of reckless driving, racing, and felony tampering. Gentry, who was terminated from the Sheriff’s Office following his arrest, is now looking to restore his personal and professional reputation.

Law Enforcement Nabs Two In Mobile Meth Lab Caper

A routine traffic stop in Niceville led to the arrest of two individuals and the discovery of an active meth lab inside their vehicle. Both suspects, with extensive criminal histories, face multiple drug-related charges.

Multi-Agency drug Force Makes Trafficking Arrest

In a significant operation, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, aided by the Criminal Investigations Section, executed a narcotics search warrant at 8540 Highway 189. The search yielded a substantial seizure of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, and approximately eight pounds of marijuana. Kevin Lee McKinney, 45, has been arrested and charged with multiple drug-related offenses.

Florida Man Robs Bank in Flip Flops, Hides Cash in Maserati

A 66-year-old Destin resident, Charles Gallagher, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway using a note to demand cash. Authorities found his black 2017 Maserati with concealed identifiers, along with cash, a surgical mask, and glasses. Gallagher, who has faced financial difficulties since 2017, is held without bond on charges of robbery without a weapon, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Niceville Man Arrested For Sending Classified Eglin Documents Illegally

Paul J. Freeman, a 68-year-old resident of Niceville, has been indicted on charges of unauthorized possession and transmission of classified national defense information. The indictment alleges that Freeman shared sensitive information about U.S. Air Force aircraft and weapons with unauthorized individuals on multiple occasions between November 2020 and March 2021. If convicted, Freeman faces up to ten years in prison for each of the nine counts.

Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet

In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.