Three Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation and Search Warrant

Media Release

Three Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation and Search Warrant

On 10-02-2026, detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Special Intelligence Unit, executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 7051 Fairlawn Street.

The search warrant was the result of an investigation that identified Matthew Cupps, DOB/08-26-1986, as being involved in the sale of fentanyl from the residence, including quantities over the trafficking threshold.

Upon execution of the search warrant, detectives located Cupps in front of the residence and took him into custody without incident. During his arrest, Cupps was found to be in possession of Dilaudid pills, a Tadalafil tablet for which he did not have a prescription, and a glass smoking pipe that tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.

Detectives also identified Donald Ferrin, DOB/07-28-1943, and Jill Leverich, DOB/03-28-1965, as residents of the home. Neither Ferrin nor Leverich was present when the search warrant was initially executed.

During a search of the residence, detectives located various controlled substances and drug paraphernalia within bedrooms belonging to Ferrin and Leverich.

Inside Ferrin’s bedroom, detectives located fentanyl, marijuana, and various items of drug paraphernalia consistent with fentanyl use.

Inside Leverich’s bedroom, detectives located multiple bags containing methamphetamine, Tramadol pills, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and several capsules containing a white powdery substance. The substance inside the capsules tested positive for the presence of 2C-B.

2C-B is a Schedule I controlled substance and a synthetic psychedelic drug known for producing hallucinogenic effects.

Following his arrest, detectives conducted a post-Miranda interview with Cupps. During the interview, Cupps admitted to selling fentanyl and stated that he had sold fentanyl shortly before detectives executed the search warrant.

Cupps further advised detectives that his narcotics-related activities were not concealed from the other occupants of the residence. Cupps stated that Leverich, the homeowner, was aware that he was selling narcotics from the residence and permitted him to remain there while doing so. Cupps also stated that Leverich used narcotics, specifically methamphetamine.

Cupps was subsequently arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.

A short time after the search warrant was completed, Ferrin returned to the residence and was arrested in connection with the narcotics and drug paraphernalia located in his bedroom.

Detectives also obtained an arrest warrant for Leverich. Investigators learned that Leverich was employed at Seminole Heights Elementary School in Hillsborough County. On 10-05- 2026, officers with the Tampa Police Department responded to the school and took Leverich into custody on the active Hernando County warrant.

The individuals were charged as follows:

Matthew Cupps

· Trafficking in Fentanyl
· Sale of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) – 2 counts
· Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell (Fentanyl)
· Possession of a Place/Structure for the Sale of a Controlled Substance – 2 counts
· Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device – 2 counts
· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Dilaudid)
· Possession of a New Legend Drug Without a Prescription (Tadalafil)
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 3 counts

Jill Leverich

· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
· Possession of a Controlled Substance (2C-B)
· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Tramadol)
· Possession of a Place/Structure for the Sale of a Controlled Substance
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
· Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams

Donald Ferrin

· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
· Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to identifying and disrupting individuals involved in the distribution of dangerous controlled substances within Hernando County.


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Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.

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