MOORE HAVEN, Fl. — The Glades County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and Seminole Police Department (SPD) reported multiple arrests during the final week of June, continuing a trend that underscores the ongoing challenges of drug offenses and violent crime in this rural South Florida county.

Felony and DUI Arrests: June 24–28, 2025

According to arrest records released by local law enforcement, the following individuals were taken into custody on felony or DUI charges:

Debra Farineau, 67, of Fort Pierce, was arrested on June 28 by the Seminole Police Department and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked with bond set at $3,000.
Edward Suhling, 61, also of Fort Pierce, was arrested on June 28 by SPD and charged with possession of cocaine along with two traffic violations. His bond was set at $2,800.
Clinton Willis, 37, of Moore Haven, was arrested on June 24 by GCSO and charged with battery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Willis’ bond was set at $30,000.

These arrests reflect ongoing criminal activity involving narcotics, weapons, and interpersonal violence — areas of concern that align with broader crime trends in Glades County and surrounding regions.

Editor’s Note: These reports list arrests, not convictions. Individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone acquitted or whose charges are dropped may contact this publication to update the record.

Crime Rates in Glades County: A Snapshot

Although Glades County remains one of the smallest and most rural counties in Florida, it is not immune to the broader public safety challenges seen across the state. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)’s most recent annual data:

Total Index Crime Rate (2024): 1,637 crimes per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime Rate: 393 per 100,000 residents (up from 325 in 2023)
Property Crime Rate: 1,244 per 100,000 residents (a 2% increase from 2023)
Drug-related Offenses: Accounted for 28% of all felony arrests in Glades County in 2024

By comparison, Florida’s statewide index crime rate for 2024 was 2,063 per 100,000 residents, making Glades County slightly below average in overall crime — but with higher than average violent crime rates per capita.

Drug Offenses: A Persistent Challenge

The two most recent SPD arrests — involving cocaine possession — reflect the continued presence of illegal drugs in the region. According to FDLE, narcotics and controlled substances account for nearly 1 in 3 felony cases in Glades County, many involving individuals from outside county lines, such as Fort Pierce and Clewiston.

Sheriff David Hardin of the GCSO has previously addressed the issue, stating:

“Drug trafficking corridors that run along U.S. 27 and State Road 78 continue to pose a problem. Our deputies remain committed to targeted patrols and collaborative enforcement to get illegal drugs off the streets.”

Violent Crime and Firearm Offenses

The arrest of Clinton Willis, charged with battery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, reflects another serious local issue: the recurrence of violent crime among individuals with previous convictions.

In 2024, Glades County reported 56 violent crimes, including 12 aggravated assaults involving firearms — a figure that prompted GCSO to apply for additional grant funding for violence prevention programs.

“We’ve made progress, but anytime a convicted felon is armed, it raises serious public safety concerns,” said a GCSO spokesperson. “Our priority is keeping weapons out of the hands of those who have already proven to be a risk.”

Community Involvement and Prevention

While law enforcement efforts are ongoing, local leaders emphasize the role of community support and early intervention in reducing crime.

Programs such as:

Neighborhood Watch initiatives
Youth mentorship and after-school programs
Substance abuse prevention and recovery services

… have been highlighted in recent public safety town halls as essential tools in crime reduction. GCSO continues to urge residents to report suspicious activity and participate in community-based solutions.

Looking Ahead

As Glades County heads deeper into the summer season — typically a period of increased law enforcement activity due to seasonal travel and outdoor events — officials expect more arrests and proactive patrols.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. To report a crime or tip, contact the Glades County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 946-1600 or visit www.gladessheriff.org.

For statewide crime data and safety resources, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.

In summary: While Glades County maintains relatively low overall crime numbers due to its size, challenges with drug offenses and violent crime — especially repeat offenders — continue to require focused enforcement and community vigilance. These recent arrests serve as both a reminder of the work still to be done and the importance of regional coordination to protect public safety.

Glades County Arrest Report Highlights Ongoing Crime Concerns Amidst Regional Trends

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