Florida Sheriff A.J. Smith Arrests His Own Daughter For Meth Trafficking

Franklin County, Florida Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith announced on Thursday that his department had arrested two suspects and revealed charges brought against his daughter, Kristen Kent, 38, who was one of the two women arrested.

She was charged with trafficking methamphetamines, along with possession of meth and cocaine, while Bailey Adaire Lee, 25, faces two counts of trafficking and one for possession of methamphetamines.

Smith’s district seems to deal with issues around meth and other substances regularly, as his office uses the slogan “We Don’t Meth Around” which he even hashtags in the post announcing his daughter’s arrest.

The sheriff said that it was “gut-wrenching” to learn his daughter was caught in a “controlled buy” operation where Kristen Kent delivered undercover officers two ounces of methamphetamine. “The last thing you want to see is your child in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs on,” he said.

Even though the fact that she is his daughter won’t affect his consideration of the case, Smith told WFLA the situation was “heartbreaking,” and added, “I mean, it’s like you can’t even put it into words, I don’t think it’s anything you wish on your worst enemy.”

Smith also spoke on the effects of the drug’s use in his Facebook post that featured his daughter’s mugshot and the drugs seized from her and Lee. “Methamphetamine does not discriminate & neither do we. It does not matter who you are – no one is immune or exempt,” Smith began.

“Our hearts break over the grief meth causes all – whether you use it, sell it, or love someone who is involved with it,” Smith added. He also encouraged addicts to reach out to local counseling to start their journey to recovery.