News Summary
A major drug investigation in Tallahassee has resulted in several arrests, including a local deputy and his son. The arrests stem from a large-scale drug operation, uncovering fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms, with the individuals facing serious charges. The investigation revealed belief in immunity from law enforcement scrutiny and significant drug seizures, causing public concern regarding law enforcement integrity.
Tallahassee Drug Operations Lead to Multiple Arrests Involving Law Enforcement Personnel
A series of drug-related arrests have rocked Tallahassee, including the arrest of a local deputy and his son for their involvement in a large-scale drug operation. Matthew Clay Chitty, 55, was apprehended on September 10, 2025, after police found him slumped over the wheel of his vehicle on Highway 221 North. During the arrest, Chitty admitted to using methamphetamine and consented to a vehicle search, yielding a plastic bag of suspected fentanyl and another bag containing suspected methamphetamine.
Chitty now faces felony charges for possession of both fentanyl and methamphetamine, and is currently being held in Coffee County Jail. His situation is part of a broader investigation that has led to the arrest of several individuals, including law enforcement personnel.
Among those arrested is Bill Culpepper Jr., a 56-year-old Leon County School resource deputy, who was detained alongside his son, 25-year-old Garret Culpepper. Both face serious charges associated with a drug operation spanning out of Garret’s home in Tallahassee.
Bill Culpepper faces multiple charges classified as public order crimes, including first, second, and third-degree felonies, alongside charges in Gadsden County related to the possession of both a short barrel rifle and a machine gun. Following the arrests, he has been placed on administrative leave and has subsequently been terminated from his position.
Garret Culpepper is charged with marijuana trafficking involving over 25 pounds or 300 plants, drug possession, producing drugs, and possession of drug-related paraphernalia. His girlfriend, 24-year-old Sylvia Moore, was also arrested for similar charges, including marijuana trafficking and possession of paraphernalia.
This investigation into the Culpepper family began in March 2024 and targeted Garret’s significant drug sales, which included various substances such as marijuana, THC wax, and THC cartridges. Law enforcement officials seized over 40 pounds of marijuana, 12 pounds of THC concentrate, more than 2.5 pounds of other controlled substances (including cocaine), 12 firearms, and approximately $60,000 in cash during the arrests.
Reports from an informant indicated that Garret Culpepper believed he was “immune from arrest” due to his father’s position in law enforcement. It has been noted that Garret had previously asked his father to park his marked sheriff’s vehicle in their driveway to deter potential robberies and had also been storing drug proceeds at this location.
During a search of the deputy’s residence, authorities discovered several fully automatic rifles and a safe containing nearly $70,000, which was accessible via a key obtained during the search of Garret’s home. Furthermore, investigators found materials for a marijuana grow operation in the attic and a marijuana bong with residue within the deputy’s property.
As the investigation continues, all three individuals—Bill and Garret Culpepper along with Sylvia Moore—have been ordered to have no contact with each other while the case remains active. Bond amounts have been set at $52,500 for Bill Culpepper, $17,500 for Garret Culpepper, and $11,000 for Sylvia Moore.
The Tallahassee Police Department has confirmed these arrests and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Additional unrelated arrests in the area have resulted in various individuals being taken into custody for trafficking drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana, which has led to further substantial seizures of drugs and firearms.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County School Deputy Facing Felony Charges
- WTXL: Seven Arrested for Drug Trafficking and Gun Charges
- Tallahassee Reports: LCSO Arrests Suspect Connected to Burglary, Grand Theft, and Drug Crimes
- Wikipedia
- Encyclopedia Britannica
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.
