In the early morning hours on Friday, March 18, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. 19 and W. Yulee Dr. in Homosassa due to an expired registration.
Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, 36-year-old Ernest Corey Grimaldi of Brooksville, it was discovered the individual did not possess a valid driver’s license due to a suspension. Further investigation also revealed the other occupant in the vehicle, 36-year-old Danielle Marie Turney of Inverness, had an active Pasco County warrant.
Both individuals were asked to step out and consent was given to search the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle the following narcotics were located:
• 139 Oxycodone 10mg pills
• 124 Oxycodone 30mg pills
• 88 Hydromorphone 8mg pills
• 97 Alprazolam 2mg pills
• 1 btl of Testosterone Cypionate
• 0.1g of Fentanyl
• And $1,400 in cash
Both Grimaldi and Turney were arrested and charged accordingly:
?Ernest Grimaldi (DOB:03/03/1986)- Trafficking in more than 28g of Oxycodone, trafficking in more than 4g of Oxycodone, trafficking in more than 4g Hydromorphone, possession w/intent to sell Alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance (Testosterone Cypionate), possession of drug paraphernalia and felony driving while license suspended (3rd offense).
?Danielle Turney (DOB: 09/07/1985)- Open warrant for driving on a suspended license (Pasco County).
“This is just another prime example of how dull-witted individuals dealing illicit drugs are,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “Great job to our guys working out there in our community noticing the small details of an expired registration that elevated this minor traffic stop to a full blown drug bust.”