A Brooksville man was arrested following a months-long investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Vice and Narcotics Unit, authorities said.
Brian Ormsbee, 39, was taken into custody on Feb. 19 on multiple narcotics charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of hashish, possession of drug paraphernalia and additional charges stemming from previous investigations, according to the HCSO.
The investigation began on Dec. 10, 2024, when Vice and Narcotics detectives observed a black Ford Focus traveling north on Citrus Way. Deputies initiated a traffic stop near Peach Orchard Road after the vehicle was seen crossing the center yellow line multiple times.
The driver, identified as Sherri Cline, 34, admitted to using her cell phone while driving and informed deputies that her license had been suspended. A records check confirmed that Cline’s license had been suspended since May 22, 2017. Ormsbee was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle.
A K9 unit conducted an exterior sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive narcotics alert. During a subsequent search, deputies discovered a blue bag containing multiple baggies of a crystal-like substance, a container with a similar substance, a digital scale, a metal grinder, zippered snack bags and U.S. currency. The bag was located under the passenger seat where Ormsbee had been sitting.
Ormsbee admitted to owning the bag, which he confirmed contained approximately three ounces of methamphetamine. Further testing determined the substances included 97.7 grams of methamphetamine and 47.4 grams of THC wax.
Although Ormsbee was not taken into custody at that time, detectives continued their investigation, leading to additional charges.
Ormsbee faces charges under multiple case numbers:
Case Number 2025-00116007:
– Trafficking in Methamphetamine
– Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell
– Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Case Number 2025-00106357:
– Sale of Methamphetamine
– Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell
– Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On Feb. 19, detectives met Ormsbee at the Dollar General on Shoal Line Boulevard. Following an interview, he was taken into custody based on probable cause for his arrest on unrelated charges in Hernando County.
During a search, deputies discovered a clear baggie containing 13.3 grams of methamphetamine in Ormsbee’s front pants pocket. He admitted to possessing the narcotics before the search. A glass smoking device, which tested positive for methamphetamine, was also recovered.
Ormsbee was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about narcotics activity in the area to contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
