Felon and “Known Gang Member” Arrested in Drug Bust

A man with 14 felony convictions and who the Sheriff’s Office describes as a known gang member was arrested on multiple felony charges after executing a search warrant at his home.

Several Hernando County Sheriff’s Office units, including SWAT, Vice and Narcotics, K9, Forensics, District Deputies and COPPS, conducted the search at 6154 Ashland Drive on Sept. 20.

When units arrived, Steven Cline, age 48, fled from the back of the home and was found at a next-door neighbor’s house.

Investigators found numerous narcotics, seven firearms, body armor, and a ballistic “Police” shield (rifle-rated) inside the residence, which Cline admitted to be his. He said that he acquired the shield and body armor through a trade for drugs.

HCSO says the bust is a result of a several months-long investigation that included several traffic stops from this residence, which also resulted in arrests for trafficking in methamphetamine.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of the search warrant:

Steven James Thurman Cline, age 48
A Florida Known Gang Member
Criminal History
Total Felony Charges — 38
Total Felony Convictions — 14

Charges as a result of the Search Warrant
Resisting without violence
Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by a convicted felon (7 firearms)
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Fentanyl
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Suboxone)
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of Alprazolam
Possession of Marijuana more than 20g
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of a New Legend Drug without prescription

Ashley Dawn Cline, age 37

Charges as a result of the Search Warrant
Violation of Drug Offender Probation
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Fentanyl
Possession of a Controlled Substance(Suboxone)
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Alprazolam)
Possession of Marijuana less than 20g
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of a New Legend Drug without prescription

Darrell Floyd Kearce, age 52
Charges as a result of the Search Warrant
Possession of Marijuana less than 20g
Possession of Paraphernalia