Two arrested in Ecstasy-producing operation in Lee County

LCSO

• Name: THERRIEN, JOHN LORENCE
• Charge: AMPHETAMINE-TRAFFIC (OR METHAMPHETAMINE 14 GRAMS OR OVER), DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)
• Residence: Fort Myers, FL
• Age: 18

LCSO

• Name: WHATLEY, JESSE ANN
• Charge: AMPHETAMINE-TRAFFIC (OR METHAMPHETAMINE 14 GRAMS OR OVER), DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS, AMPHETAMINE-POSSESS (WIT SELL MFG DELIV SCHEDULE II OR III OR IV) (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)
• Residence: Fort Myers, FL
• Age: 20

Detectives arrested two Fort Myers residents, accusing them of running a major Ecstasy-producing operation.

Jesse Ann Whatley, 20, of the 11300 block of Summerwinds Court, is facing charges of amphetamine trafficking, drug equipment possession for manufacture, marijuana possession, amphetamine possession with intent to deliver and possessing a structure with the intent of manufacturing drugs.

John Lorence Therrien, 18, of the 9100 block of Gladiolus Preserve Circle, is facing charges of amphetamine trafficking, drug equipment possession for manufacture, possession of a structure for manufacturing narcotics, marijuana possession, keeping shop for dangerous drugs, possessing hydrocodone, amphetamine possession with intent to deliver, and possessing a vehicle for transporting drugs.

Lee County sheriff's arrest reports say the Sheriff's Office Highway Interdiction Unit obtained a search warrant for Whatley's residence Wednesday, after a drug-sniffing dog alerted them to a package addressed to her residence. The parcel contained more than 513 grams of amphetamine in powder form.

Detectives say the search of her home revealed a large-scale producing operation with the capability of making nearly 15,000 doses of Ecstasy. Whatley admitted she accepted parcels at her home for Therrien and told detectives Therrien made Ecstasy in her house.

The warrant allowed authorities to seize, from Whatley's home, nearly two pounds of powder amphetamine, 600 capsules of already produced ecstasy, several thousand empty capsules, cutting agents, professional capsule counter and filler machines, and other manufacturing supplies. Detectives also found vials containing marijuana. With a street value of $20 per dose, the amount of Ecstasy seized would have earned well over $200,000 on the street, according to reports.

Therrien was arrested at Whatley's home, where detectives also searched his car. They found a safe inside, which contained $1,300, more than 500 Ecstasy capsules, three bottles of liquor and hydrocodone pills.