By Staff Report
In a coordinated operation, the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), with support from the Bonifay Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Unit (FHP CIU), and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended four individuals on charges related to the trafficking and sale of fentanyl.
On July 19, 2024, HCSO investigators arranged a controlled purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Michael Cotton at the Tom Thumb gas station in Bonifay. Cotton, along with three accomplices, met an undercover officer and sold approximately 2.3 grams (equivalent to about 15 pills) of fentanyl.
Following the transaction, the suspects left the parking lot in their vehicle and attempted to make a U-turn on SR 79. At this point, law enforcement officers swiftly intercepted and boxed in the vehicle. The driver, Jason Rudd, attempted to flee by reversing the car, colliding with a patrol vehicle in the process. With the escape route blocked, Cotton, seated in the front passenger seat, exited the vehicle and fled on foot back towards the Tom Thumb.
FHP CIU’s K9 unit, Colt, was deployed and successfully apprehended Cotton in the parking lot. During the chase, Cotton dropped the purchase money and a bag containing approximately 6 grams (about 25-30 pills) of fentanyl.
A subsequent search of Rudd uncovered around 5 grams (20-25 pills) of fentanyl. Additionally, a bag containing methamphetamine was found on the passenger side of the vehicle. Two other occupants, identified as Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark, were also present during the drug transaction.
All four individuals were arrested and face the following charges:
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: Principal to the sale of fentanyl.
Ashley Clark: Principal to the sale of fentanyl.
