Officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) have arrested two suspects from Indiana on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to illegal possession of drugs, credit cards, social security cards, and other sensitive information.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) have arrested two suspects from Indiana on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to illegal possession of drugs, credit cards, social security cards, and other sensitive information.

"I’m proud of the hard work from our OALE officers in this case — and every case they take on — and for their commitment to ensuring the safety of Floridians,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

On August 7, 2023, Officers with OALE arrested Erica Elizabeth Manis, 34, of Anderson, Indiana on possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and identity theft. Officers also arrested Caleb Joseph Tullis, 18, of Anderson, Indiana on possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Officers made contact with Manis and Tullis on Interstate 75 southbound at mile marker 445 in Hamilton County, Florida.

Manis and Tullis were the occupants of a disabled vehicle that officers stopped to assist with on Interstate 75 southbound at mile marker 445 in Hamilton County. While officers were assisting Manis and Tullis with a flat tire on the vehicle, officers discovered in plain view that Manis was in possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) without a prescription and drug paraphernalia.

During further investigation, officers discovered that Manis was in possession of more than 200 credit cards and thousands of social security cards, financial documents, checks, insurance cards, state-issued driver licenses, banking information, and other sensitive items belonging to other people. 

Manis and Tullis were booked into Hamilton County Jail on the following charges:

Erica Elizabeth Manis:

• FS 817.5685.3b2 — Unlawful possession of the personal identification of another person, five or more persons (Third Degree Felony) 1 Count
• FS 893.13.6a — Possession of Controlled Substance (Third Degree Felony) 1 Count
• FS 893.13.147.1 — Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (First Degree Misdemeanor) 1 Count
• FS 837.05.1a — Providing false information to a Law Enforcement Officer (First Degree Misdemeanor) 1 Count

 Caleb Joseph Tullis:

• FS 893.13.6a — Possession of Controlled Substance (Third Degree Felony) 1 Count
• FS 893.13.147.1 — Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (First Degree Misdemeanor) 1 Count
• FS 837.05.1a — Providing false information to a Law Enforcement Officer (First Degree Misdemeanor) 1 Count

The investigation continues on this case and additional charges will be filed with SAO.

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations relating to any matter over which the department has jurisdiction, protects consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices, protects Florida’s agriculture industry from theft and other crimes, and safeguards the integrity of Florida’s food and other consumer products. In support of its mission, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations around the state. Officers conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Florida’s food supply and prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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