News Summary
Bill Culpepper, a former Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy, has been indicted for illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking. Facing serious federal charges, the case highlights concerns over public trust in law enforcement. Culpepper’s trial is set for November 4, after being previously charged for drug-related offenses involving his son, Garret. The ongoing investigation, part of ‘Operation Take Back America,’ raises significant questions about corruption within local law enforcement.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Bill Culpepper, a 57-year-old former Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy, has been indicted in federal court on charges of illegal firearms possession, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. The indictment includes several counts against Culpepper, reflecting serious allegations that could result in significant legal repercussions.
Culpepper faced a judge on September 11, 2024, in Tallahassee, with his trial set for November 4. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each charge. The case against him has garnered attention, not only due to his former role in law enforcement but also because it is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating crime and illegal activities across the nation.
The investigation into Culpepper has been conducted in collaboration with several agencies, including the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case is a component of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide effort to tackle illegal immigration and associated criminal activities.
In March 2024, Culpepper was previously charged with multiple felony counts of drug trafficking stemming from a year-long investigation. During this time, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence that he allegedly conspired with his son, Garret Culpepper, to manufacture and distribute marijuana. At the time of his arrest, Bill Culpepper was serving as a school resource officer at Woodville PreK-8, but following the charges, he was terminated from his position.
Garret Culpepper, who is 25 years old, has also been arrested on a range of charges related to marijuana trafficking, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Bill and Garret Culpepper were found in possession of a significant quantity of marijuana and THC products during police searches, leading to the seizure of over 40 pounds of marijuana, 12 pounds of THC concentrate, and 12 firearms. Additionally, authorities confiscated nearly $60,000 in cash as part of the enforcement actions.
The information leading to the arrests included accounts from an informant who claimed that Garret was actively selling drugs and believed he was “immune” from consequences due to his father’s position in law enforcement. Reports suggest that Garret utilized his father’s marked patrol vehicle as a means of deterring potential robbers by parking it in his driveway, contributing further to the allegations of a misuse of Culpepper’s law enforcement connections.
Further investigations revealed that drug proceeds were allegedly stored at Bill Culpepper’s residence, where law enforcement discovered a large cache of firearms, including fully automatic rifles and a machine gun. The breadth of the alleged drug operation, reportedly involving both Bill and Garret Culpepper, has raised substantial concerns about the integrity of law enforcement in the community.
To prevent any communication during the ongoing legal proceedings, Bill, Garret Culpepper, and Sylvia Moore, Garret’s girlfriend, have been prohibited from contacting each other. Bail has been set for the accused, with Bill Culpepper’s total amount set at $52,500, Garret’s at $17,500, and Moore’s at $11,000.
The timely arrest of Bill Culpepper has raised pressing questions regarding public trust in law enforcement and the implications of an individual in a position of authority engaging in illegal activities. As the case progresses, it is likely to draw continued scrutiny from both the local community and law enforcement agencies working to restore public confidence in their operations.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County School Deputy Facing Felony Charges
- WTXL: Leon County Deputy and Son Facing Drug Charges
- Tallahassee.com: Jail Sergeant Faces Battery Charge
- Dignity Memorial: Bill Culpepper Obituary
- WTXL: Former Deputy Faces Felony Charges
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Integrity
- Google Scholar: Firearms Regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- Google News: Law Enforcement Corruption
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
