Frank Destefano

Brittany Middleton

James McCutcheon

Austin Whitmire

PCPD investigators received a tip of suspicious activity and possible drug use at a residence located on West 14th Street in Panama City.

On Tuesday afternoon around 4:45, investigators made contact with the residents of the home and noted a strong chemical smell consistent with an active lab.

Six occupants were located along with an active so-called “shake and bake” lab inside the residence. The area around the home was secured and the Panama City Fire Department was called for safety due to the danger of fire.

Special Investigators trained in the removal of methamphetamine labs neutralized the active lab and located several older labs that were discarded on the property. Investigators worked through the evening cleaning up the hazardous lab debris, paraphernalia, and collecting evidence.

With information and evidence collected during the investigation, six people were arrested and/or charged. 30 year old Frank C. Destefano was arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine and manufacturing drug paraphernalia. 44 year old Brandi L. Destefano, 21 year old Brittney B. Middleton, 33 year old James D. McCutcheon, and 32 year old Joseph C. Kelly were all charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. 22 year old Austin I. Whitmire was charged with violation of probation for a previous methamphetamine charge.

Brandi Destefano received a notice to appear, the others were booked into the Bay County Jail for the aforementioned charges. Frank and Brandi Destefano reside at the address where the labs were discovered; the others reside at different locations.