After a four-month-long investigation, a suspect connected to a fatal overdose was arrested.
On February 8th, 2024, Eric Schertzer, 19, was found deceased in a residence in the 100 block of Susan Place in Valrico.
Through investigative means, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives identified Baylee Jacobs, 21, as a suspect in the case. Detectives were able to link the fatal drugs that the victim ingested back to Jacobs and obtained an arrest warrant.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Jacobs had relocated to Illinois from Florida. On June 24, 2024, local authorities at the Sterling Police Department in Illinois apprehended Jacobs.
"Our opioid overdose investigators are relentless in their efforts to track down and apprehend those who seek to harm our community with dangerous drugs," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Their determination and hard work in tracing every lead was crucial in this investigation and led to the arrest of the individual responsible for putting poison on our streets for profit. Additionally, this joint effort emphasizes the importance of collaboration within law enforcement and highlights the shared mission to protect our communities and combat the opioid crisis.”
Jacobs is facing a First Degree Murder resulting from the Sale of a Controlled Substance charge.