MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An Ocala man has been jailed after he reportedly blew fentanyl into a deputy’s face outside Publix late last month, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, the sheriff’s office announced that a deputy had been trying to find the man — identified as Jesse James McAuliffe, 36 — who had an active violation of probation warrant.
Deputies said they were eventually able to find McAuliffe’s car parked at a Publix on Southwest 62nd Ave Road, and they managed to block it in.
Jesse James McAuliffe, 36 (Marion County Jail)
“After repeated commands, McAuliffe exited the vehicle,” the release reads. “Deputies immediately noticed signs of drug use, including a tie-off falling from his arm and syringes visible inside the vehicle.”
During a search, the responding deputy uncovered a baggie with a white substance inside, later confirmed to be fentanyl, investigators noted.
However, released body-camera footage shows that McAuliffe claimed “it’s sugar.”
“Deputies also located a bottle cap containing a melted substance that tested positive for fentanyl,” the release continues. “In an attempt to destroy evidence, McAuliffe blew the fentanyl from the cap directly into (the deputy’s) face, exposing him to a highly dangerous substance.”
Deputies said a search of the vehicle revealed several pre-filled and used syringes, all of which tested positive for fentanyl. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
McAuliffe was arrested and now faces additional charges, including fentanyl possession, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is held without bond.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office assured that the deputy involved is OK.
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