Family arrested in Flagler County prescription drug operation

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Two Flagler County parents and their adult children are facing charges after they allegedly made selling prescription pills a family affair.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 people, including the family, as part of a drug operation called Jingle Cells that cracked down on the distribution and selling of prescription drugs.

"We hope that these arrests will have a significant impact on the surge that is the illegal prescription drug industry," Sheriff James Manfre said.

The family, 70-year-old Gilbert Bridewell, his 61-year-old wife Sheila and their sons, Tyler Bridewell and Brad Turner, were all charged with selling and trafficking prescription drugs, along with the 28 other suspects.

"They are not new to the illegal trafficking industry. Most all of them have prior arrests and convictions for a variety of crimes, such as theft, burglary, aggravated battery, kidnapping and manslaughter," Manfre said.

Investigators said the family was selling the drugs right out of their Palm Coast home and most neighbors knew something wasn't right.

"We already had an incline that they were up to something shady," a neighbor said.

Friday's arrests are just the first phase of the operation. The second phase will involve the investigation into the doctors who prescribed the drugs.

WFTV