Pinellas Park SWAT Team Conducts Raid on “Problem Hotel” Amid Drug House Probe

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas Park police raided a “problem hotel” Tuesday as part of a narcotics investigation, authorities said.

The Pinellas Park Police Department said SWAT team officers executed a narcotics warrant at the Express Inn & Suites on US Highway 19 Tuesday.

According to police, it was part of a “long-term investigation” that uncovered a base of operations for drug sales.

Investigators said the suspects sold drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and synthetic marijuana from a room at the front of the facility.

The suspects were identified as:

Valeri Schwab, 28

• Three counts – Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of

  school

• One count – Operating a drug house

Carlos Cruz, 49

• Five counts – Sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school

• One count – Felon in possession of a firearm

• One count – Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

• Two counts – Possession of a controlled substance

Anthony Roberts, 38

• One count – Operating a drug house
• Three counts – Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of

  school

Brent Ryan, 38

• One count – Warrant arrest (Violation of Probation – Fentanyl Possession)
• One count – Resisting an officer without violence
• One count – Possession of a controlled substance
• One count – Violation of probation

The police department said the hotel housed “short and long-term residents, including

children,” who were in close proximity to the drug sales.

Chief Adam Geissenberger stated, “Exposing children to narcotics is not only irresponsible, but it’s also intolerable. The Pinellas Park Police Department is committed to taking action against criminals who threaten the well-being of our community and put future generations at risk. The arrest made today delivers a strong warning to anyone engaging in drug sales in Pinellas Park.”