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Dismembered Tortoise Found During Raid

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By Kyle Martin

Hernando Today

Published: September 8, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Except for the dismembered tortoise in the kitchen sink, it was business as usual for undercover detectives Friday.

A pair of search warrants served at 816 and 820 Peach Street turned up drug paraphernalia, nine ounces of marijuana and a gram of crack cocaine.

But it's the menu at 816 Peach St. that will turn some heads.

Deputies said they found what appeared to be a slaughtered gopher tortoise in the kitchen sink. Resident Donna Stanley, who goes by the alias "Mama G," confirmed that it was indeed a tortoise and it was being prepared for consumption, an affidavit states.

Stanley was charged with possession of wildlife without a permit, along with animal cruelty for a dog that was reportedly underfed in the backyard.

Also arrested at 816 Peach St. was Charles Stanley, 48, who in addition to the animal-related charges was charged with possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested at that location on an outstanding warrant for sale and possession of crack cocaine was James Williams, 41, of 815 Shayne St.

Nearby, deputies were searching 820 Peach St., where they found 223.5 grams of marijuana, digital scales and plastic bags, according to an affidavit.

Deputies say they found 14.5 grams of marijuana in the pocket of resident Derrick Wilson, 36, who was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana over 20 grams.

Also in the house, Robert Lee Wright III, 26, of 815 Shayne St., was arrested on an outstanding warrant for possession and sale of crack cocaine.

The driver of a pickup outside the house, Michael Taylor, 22, of 707 Hazel Ave., also was charged with possession of marijuana.

The tortoise parts were collected with the other evidence and put into a freezer.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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