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.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Man For Destin Shooting
A violent confrontation at the Sea Glass Apartments on Commons Drive West left one man paralyzed after a heated altercation on Monday evening. Around 7:35 PM, an argument between two men escalated when Timothy Rettinger pursued the Victim in a black Buick Enclave, ultimately shooting him multiple times and causing severe injuries.
Accused Mike Ledford Killer Back in Court – With New Attorney
Accused killer of local restauranteur Mike Ledford, Dylan Deschaine, made another appearance in court Wednesday.
Niceville Man Arrested For Battery in Dispute Over Pride Flags
Niceville Police arrested 43-year-old Michael McLeod for battery after an incident involving stolen LGBTQ+ flags outside Niceville High School. Activist Sunny Barbee confronted McLeod, leading to a physical altercation captured on video. Despite the tension, Barbee praised the professionalism of the Niceville Police. McLeod is currently awaiting a hearing and remains in custody.
Documents: Fired Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Field Airman Disciplined in 2021, turned in resignation days before shooting.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the incident should never have occurred and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and transparency.
BREAKING: Okaloosa Sheriff Release Call Logs, 9-1-1 Tapes From Airman Shooting Death
Mid Bay News received a heavily redacted police report and 911 call from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office regarding the May 3 shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The report, which lists four witnesses and two victims, provides a timeline from the initial domestic dispute call to the arrival of EMS and subsequent actions taken by law enforcement. The names of witnesses and a responding deputy were redacted, and the Sheriff’s Office placed the deputy involved on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Hundreds at Hurlburt Gather to Remember AC-130J Gunner Killed By Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy
Scores of airmen, civilians, and contractors descended on Hurlburt Monday morning to pay their respects to Senior Airman Roger Fortson in a common-access-card-only event held at the base. Hundreds of airmen attended the ceremony—so many overflow bleachers had to be set out on the flight line. The balance of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Fortson’s unit, escorted the Fortson family to their seats at the memorial. Colonel Patrick Dierig gave the keynote address, aiming to help heal the airmen of the 4th Special Operations Squadron and beyond. The event was broadcast live so deployed airmen could also watch.
