This incident occurred on January 8th, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota, FL – A drug-related arrest took place on December 27, 2023, when law enforcement officers observed two individuals smoking crack cocaine in the Rosemary Cemetery at 851 Central Avenue. The cemetery is located approximately 370 feet from The Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, a local middle school. The suspects, George Whitfield and Sarah Burris, were taken into custody after being caught in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
Investigation and Arrest
Detective GH observed Whitfield handing crack cocaine to Burris before both suspects proceeded to smoke the substance. Officers staged nearby and moved in to detain the individuals upon confirmation of the drug use. During the arrest, Whitfield dropped a glass pipe from his hand, which was identified as a crack pipe containing burnt residue and copper brillo, commonly used for smoking crack cocaine.
Upon searching Whitfield, officers discovered a small white superglue container with a red cap inside his front left pocket, containing multiple pieces of rock cocaine. A field test confirmed the substance as cocaine. Whitfield admitted to possessing the drugs before being placed under arrest.
Charges and Legal Implications
- George Whitfield was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver (FSS 893.13(1)(C)(1)) due to the confirmed sale of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a middle school. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (FSS 893.147(1)).
- Sarah Burris was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (FSS 893.147(1)) and was additionally arrested for an active warrant related to a previous sale of cocaine case (23-048106).
Case Status and Additional Actions
Both individuals were trespassed from Rosemary Cemetery and entered into the Sarasota trespass file. Law enforcement recorded the incident on body-worn camera (BWC), documenting the events leading to the arrest. The Sarasota Police Department continues to monitor drug activity in the area to maintain public safety, particularly near schools and community spaces.
