Apalachicola women arrested for meth trafficking

Two Apalachicola women have been arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine, after Franklin County narcotics deputies seized a large quantity of the drugs Monday afternoon.

Bailey Adaire Lee, 25, was charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine of 14 grams and Kristen Kent, 38, was charged with one count, as well as possession of cocaine and possession or use of drug equipment.

Trafficking in meth of between 14 and 28 grams is a first-degree felony, which can carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Judges are often required to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office posted photos on its Facebook site of the bags of meth, as well as mugshots of the two women.

“Methamphetamine does not discriminate and neither do we,” read the post. “It does not matter who you are. No one is immune or exempt.

“Our hearts break over the grief meth causes all, whether you use it, sell it or love someone who is involved with it,” it went on to say, urging those “who desire to break free from this lifestyle,” to call Shannon Allen at (850) 653-5775.

In an interview with the Times media partner, WMBB, Sheriff A.J. Smith confirmed that Kent is his daughter. 

“Our narcotics guys have been working a case and as a result of one arrest, we made another arrest that happens to be my daughter,” he said. “We did a controlled buy… and she delivered two ounces and that’s when she was arrested.

“You think I like seeing my child in an orange jumpsuit in a jail cell? Of course not,” Smith said. “It’s heartbreaking, the last person you ever want to arrest is one of your family members, especially your child. I don’t think it’s anything you wish on your worst enemy to do something like this.

“Meth is one of our number one priorities here at the sheriff’s office to prevent meth use and meth sales, and rehabilitation,” he told WMBB. “My commitment to the community is to prevent people from getting access to these terrible drugs, drugs that ruin families. Here’s a prime example of what it does to our communities, what it does to our families, what it does to our friends and it’s heartbreaking.”