Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), with assistance from the Bonifay Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Unit (FHP CIU), and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, arrested four individuals for trafficking and the sale of fentanyl.
On July 19, 2024, HCSO investigators set up a purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Michael Cotton at the Tom Thumb in Bonifay.
Cotton, along with three other individuals, met with an undercover and sold 2.3 grams (approximately 15 pills) of fentanyl.
Once the transaction was completed, the vehicle left the parking lot pulled onto SR 79 and attempted to make a U-turn when law enforcement converged on the vehicle and boxed it in.
Jason Rudd who was identified as the driver put the car in reverse in an attempt to flee and struck a patrol vehicle. With nowhere to go, Cotton, who was the front seat passenger, exited the vehicle and fled on foot back toward the Tom Thumb. FHP CIU released K9 Colt, who ran down Cotton and apprehended him in the parking lot.
While running, Cotton dropped the buy money along with a bag containing approximately 6 grams (about 25-30 fentanyl pills).
A search of the driver, Rudd, produced approximately 5 grams (about 20-25 pills) of fentanyl. Also located in the vehicle was a bag on the passenger side containing methamphetamine.
Two backseat passengers, identified as Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark, were present during the drug transaction. All four subjects were arrested and charged as follows:
Michael Cotton: Trafficking in fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, resisting arrest, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jason Rudd: Trafficking in fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Samantha Kirkland: principle to sale of fentanyl
Ashley Clark: principle to the sale of fentanyl.
