MARTIN COUNTY — A Stuart couple is facing charges related to the distribution of illegal drugs disguised to look like candy, according to Martin County sheriff’s officials.
Detectives conducted an investigation they dubbed “Operation Tooth Fairy” during September and October 2024, where they surveilled a home in the 4500 block of Southeast Nimrod Lane in Stuart. People were often seen waiting around outside the house, sheriff’s officials said.
Detectives staged drug deals using a confidential informant, according to investigation records.
In September, the informant contacted a woman detectives dubbed “Candyman,” and later identified as Julianne Perez, and asked for fentanyl. Perez told them they could meet at her house on Southeast Nimrod Lane because it was safe, according to an arrest affidavit.
The informant contacted Dillon James Clark, at the same address, to confirm the cost of the fentanyl, which he did. The informant received a clear bag containing a blue powdery substance that was field-tested and showed positive for fentanyl, according to the arrest affidavit.
The same technique was used during a staged drug deal in October. The informant ordered fentanyl again and the next day Clark texted them “come over we got it,” according to sheriff’s officials. The informant was again given a clear bag containing a blue powdery substance.
Fentanyl found by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office during an investigation in April 2025. The fentanyl was packaged to resemble candy wrappers and was dyed bright colors.
The fentanyl was dyed bright colors and packaged to resemble candy wrappers, according to a sheriff’s Facebook post.
Laboratory testing confirmed the drugs contained xylazine, a veterinary drug used as sedative, and para-fluorofentanyl, an opioid used to relieve or reduce pain. Both substances are more lethal than fentanyl, according to sheriff’s detectives..
Detectives used a search warrant to enter Perez’s home, and found narcotics. Perez admitted to drug trafficking, according to the arrest affidavit. Fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines, and oxycodone pills were seized during the investigation.
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Perez, 42, of the 4500 block of Southeast Nimrod Lane, was charged with three counts of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, two counts of trafficking fentanyl, selling and manufacturing a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance. She was booked in the Martin County Jail on April 28 on $2.5 million bond, according to the Martin County Jail.
Clark, 28, also of the 4500 block of Southeast Nimrod Lane, was charged with two counts of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and two counts of trafficking fentanyl. He was booked in the Martin County Jail on April 28 on $1.7 million bond, according to the Martin County Jail.
It did not appear either had an attorney as of April 29, according to the Clerk of Courts website.
Olivia Franklin is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Olivia on X @Livvvvv_5 or reach her by phone at 317-627-8048. E-mail her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: ‘Operation Tooth Fairy’ results in Stuart couple facing drug charges
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