Grandmother charged with selling drugs, child neglect

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Karen Ann Wilkes, 59, was arrested yesterday for seven drug charges and child neglect after a search warrant reportedly produced evidence of selling drugs, along with a toddler bed in her room and unsanitary conditions in her apartment.

On April 8, the Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task Force conducted a controlled purchase in which a confidential source reportedly met Wilkes to purchase 0.8 grams of cocaine at her apartment in Southern Pines (4100 block of SW 17th Place). The apartment is within 1,000 feet of Abby Wambach Park and a convenience store.

On April 30, a search warrant was executed on her apartment and reportedly produced about 20.2 grams of marijuana, about 0.2 grams of cocaine, and unused apple seed baggies,

Post Miranda, Wilkes reportedly said that her family members, including a grandchild, “have nothing to do with this” and also told officers where to find “weed pipes,” “weed roaches,” and “crack.”

A toddler bed was reportedly found in Wilkes’ bedroom, and detectives reported unsanitary conditions in the apartment, including a pest infestation, “lack of hygiene,” and garbage all over Wilkes’ bedroom and the living room. Detectives reported, “The unsanitary conditions create a real present hazard, and the clutter blocks exits and pathways.” Detectives noted that at least one minor lives in the apartment and has been seen leaving and entering on multiple occasions.

Wilkes has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell cocaine within 1,000 feet of a park, maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of drug trafficking with a minor present, using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, child neglect without great bodily harm, maintaining a drug dwelling, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wilkes has two felony convictions (two violent), 19 misdemeanor convictions (three violent), and three criminal traffic convictions. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $185,000 and ordered her to have no unsupervised contact with minors.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law