By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
A man whose activities police believe has helped “devastate” many families in Brewton is being held on $8 million bond following his arrest Monday.
Brewton businessman Carey Michael “Mike” Haveard was arrested on eight indictments that were handed down by an Escambia County grand jury following a recent special session.
In four indictments by the grand jury, Haveard is accused of unlawfully selling, furnishing, giving away, manufacturing, delivering or distributing a controlled substance (OxyContin), to a confidential informant.
Officers took Haveard into custody, without incident, and transported him to the Escambia County Detention Center where he was booked on four charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, four counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and four counts of criminal solicitation to commit theft of property, first degree.
The investigation began after numerous complaints concerning were received by task force officers concerning Haveard's activities.
Haveard's business, U-Ride Auto Sales on Forrest Avenue in East Brewton, was seized following his arrest. Law enforcement officers also seized property found at the location.
Acting on a search warrant, officers found and seized OxyContin and $5,000 in cash at the business location, McGougin said.
A search warrant was also executed at Haveard's home at 306 Stallworth St. in the Alco area.
The home was sealed and seized following the search.
The four charges of criminal solicitation to commit theft of property, first degree, involve alleged activity by Haveard showing an intent that another person engage in conduct constituting the crime of theft of property first degree by deception.
In the grand jury's indictment, Haveard is believed to have solicited, requested or commanded another person to exert unauthorized control over a variety of property including lumber, tools and other miscellaneous building supplies. The property has a combined value in excess of $2,500 by opening a checking account with a single initial deposit of $50 and negotiating checks in amounts totaling more than $2,500 for the purchase of the items and done in furtherance of a common scheme or plan, the indictment stated.
Members of the 21st Judicial Task Force Unit, Escambia County Sheriffs Department and Brewton Police made Haveard's arrest.