A man was arrested in Brooksville early Wednesday morning for selling crack cocaine near a church.

Hernando County Sheriff's deputies arrested Bruce Warren, 54, at his home on Twigg Street.

Their search of the house revealed crack cocaine, marijuana packaged for distribution, drug paraphenalia, numerous guns and rounds of ammunition.

Warren was charged with three counts of sale and possession of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church, as well as the following:

  • Possession of a Structure for Manufacturing Controlled Substance
  • Trafficking in Crack Cocaine
  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams with Intent to Distribute
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm (2 counts)
  • Felon in Possession of Ammunition
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Warren's house shares Twigg Street with three churches. It is also in the vicinity of a bus stop that services several schools, Brooksville Engineering, Science, and Technology Academy (BEST), and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office South Brooksville Community Center.

The condition of the house itself may get Warren into even more trouble. Hernando County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and noted several violations, including piles of garbage, a number of inoperable vehicles, and standing water. Officials said they planned to issue citations for these offenses, as well.

This is not Warren's first trouble with law enforcement, either. Prior to Wednesday morning's charges, Warren has 13 previous felony convictions and 11 misdemeanor convictions.

Detectives met with local residents and the pastor of a nearby church after the search and arrest. Everyone expressed thanks that the Sheriff's Office had addressed the problem.