Detective recognized for undercover work in heroin case

An undercover detective’s work led to federal charges while another woman reached out to help someone in need while on vacation; both were recognized for the actions as deputy and employee of the month for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

A Special Investigations Division detective was recognized by the sheriff’s office as deputy of the month after his undercover work resulted in an arrest and federal charges.

The detective was familiar with a subject who was recently released from prison, and was aware of the their involvement with violent crime, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

The detective completed hand-to-hand drug transactions with the suspect and a federal search warrant was executed on the suspect’s home. A handgun, sawed-off shotgun, and a 12-gauge shotgun were recovered during the search, according to the release.

The subject was federally charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additional charges are pending.

“Because of his ability to work in an undercover capacity and rapidly obtain probable cause in this significant case, Manatee County is safer,” the release, signed by Sheriff Rick Wells, stated.

The suspect and detective were not named in the release to protect the detective’s identity.

The sheriff’s office employee of the month, Jean Boggs, was also recognized for her efforts to help a woman who had fallen.

While on vacation in Cincinnati in March, Boggs spotted an elderly woman crawling on the floor of a department store. She ran to help and found the woman had become dizzy, fallen, struck her head and was unable to get up, according to the release.

She gave first aid to the woman and eventually helped her to stand, while summoning the woman’s husband and medical assistance. The woman declined medical help, but Wells commended Boggs on eagerness to assist someone in need.

This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 2:27 PM with the headline "Detective recognized for undercover work in heroin case."