BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — Drugs, guns, and bloody cockfights with kids.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of known drug dealer James “Larry” Tyson Friday following a lengthy investigation.
On Feb. 17, detectives executed a search warrant at Tyson’s home on Crews Road where illegal narcotics, drug equipment, and a handgun were found. BCSO said Tyson has been arrested for selling drugs before and was released from jail a year ago.
Investigators say they were aware of Tyson being involved in cockfighting and located items used to harm and kill roosters inside his shed during their search.
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which two roosters specifically bred for aggression are encouraged to fight to the death. The practice is illegal in all 50 states but still persists across the nation, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
In addition to his drug charges, Tyson is charged with animal cruelty, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which BCSO says stemmed from fighting chickens with juveniles, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm,
BCSO said Amy Permenter was also taken into custody during their search. She has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and driving with a suspended license.
Permenter was one of four people arrested during a drug bust in Clay County in June 2019. Deputies said in her arrest report that a line of cocaine was found on her dresser.
[ Clay County Sheriff's Office says 4 suspects arrested, after search warrant served in Orange Park ]