An officer of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department joined Florida law enforcement agencies last Thursday in raiding an Orlando, Fla., home following an investigation that started in Warsaw.

KCSD became involved with the case earlier this month when Martha Mikel of SR 19, Nappanee, reported a scam. Mikel had been contacted by Derick Cordero, 32, of Orlando, who she said allegedly persuaded her into paying over $4,000 in fraudulent closing fees for a time-share property located in Kissimmee, Fla.

KCSD detectives were able to track Mikel’s payment to a mailbox in Beverly Hills, Calif. The payment was then forward to Orlando where subpoenaed records revealed Cordero’s signature on the cashed check.

Subsequently, the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office and KCSD contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement which initiated surveillance on Cordero’s residence. A search warrant was obtained on Feb. 13 and, prior to executing that warrant last Thursday, undercover officers observed Cordero conduct a drug transaction at his residence.

Along with approximately 30 Florida officers, KCSD Detective Sgt. J.D. Ayres entered Cordero’s home. The police located approximately $30,000 in pre-packaged marijuana ready for distribution.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit also secured various documents, computers and cellular devices owned by Cordero for further analysis of other potential victims.

Cordero was taken into custody without incident by members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Team and is currently being held on a preliminarily charge of felony possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver.

In the local fraud investigation, Cordero currently has an active felony warrant for theft/fraud in Kosciusko County and a $10,000 bond. Cordero is still in custody in Florida in connection to his local drug related charges.