Local

DeLand city commissioner arrested on drug charge

DeLAND, Fla. — DeLand City Commissioner Jeffrey Hunter, 59, was arrested Wednesday on charges of sale or delivery of hydrocodone, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.

Volusia County deputies asked FDLE agents in February to look into allegations that Hunter was trafficking narcotics while investigating a complaint that he was a victim of fraud and extortion, agency spokeswoman Angela Starke said.

"Hunter told detectives his former girlfriend and her boyfriend, Jose Santiago, were blackmailing him," Starke said. "Santiago was arrested and charged with extortion."

Agents said Hunter gave his ex-girlfriend hydrocodone pills at least seven times and left her several voicemails in which he discussed how many pain pills he legally had available.

Hunter's ex-girlfriend, Jessica Sutton, told Channel 9 in December that he wouldn't accept that their relationship had ended.

"There was no one trying to extort him for money," she said. "He would not leave us alone."

Hunter was released from the Volusia County Jail after paying a $25,000 bail. He wouldn't comment on the charge as he left the jail Wednesday evening, referring Channel 9's Ken Tyndall to his attorney, Jason Harr.

"We believe that there wasn't even probable cause to bring these charges," Harr said. "There are absolutely no plans for him to step down from serving the citizens of Deland. He loves Deland. He's going to continue to serve them."

No other details were given.