PENSACOLA, Fla. — Authorities recently arrested five people in Escambia County — including a high school coach — in connection to a drug trafficking organization selling “Spice,” according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Those arrested were:
- Kendrick Johnson, 44: conspiracy to commit racketeering, trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice), and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Kaitlynn Parks, 28: conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- James Richardson III, 29: conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Candace Clayberger, 45: conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Adam Clayberger, 37: conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device, tampering with evidence
Spice is an artificial drug to simulate the effects of THC.
According to FDLE, the investigation began in December 2020 in reference to a larger narcotics investigation from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Through undercover investigations, agents identified Johnson as an active supplier in the drug trafficking organization,” FDLE says in a release.
On Sept. 23, FDLE Pensacola agents and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. Agents recovered approximately one pound of Spice, 19 pounds of chemical powder used to create synthetic cannabis, three firearms, and $36,845 in U.S currency, according to FDLE.
WEAR News previously reported that Johnson was a high school coach in the Escambia County school district. He has since been terminated.
Johnson was released from Escambia County Jail on $70,000 bond, Candance Clayberger and Adam Clayberger remain in jail on $240,000 and $260,000 bond, Parks was released from jail on $240,000 bond.