Two Crystal River women arrested, charged with firearm violations and methamphetamine trafficking
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Crystal River, Florida - On Sunday, June 14, 2025, two women were arrested as the result of a search warrant being served at a motorhome located at 130 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Crystal River by detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The search led to the arrest of 61 year-old Valerie Nipper Daniels and 59 year-old Traci Dawn Daniels on charges related to drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms.
For several weeks prior to the arrests, the Special Investigations Unit had been conducting an investigation into suspected methamphetamine trafficking occurring from the motorhome.
On Saturday, June 13, 2025, a Citrus County Sheriff's Office patrol deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, due to a traffic violation, and when a K-9 (police dog) alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle, the vehicle was searched. The search resulted in the discovery of approximately 116.2 grams (about a quarter-pound) of methamphetamine. The investigation determined that the vehicle had recently departed from the motorhome located at 130 S. Suncoast Blvd., and the narcotics had originated from there.
This new information enabled Special Investigations Unit detectives to draft a search warrant for the motorhome, which was executed during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 14, 2025. When detectives arrived at the motorhome, they announced themselves and stated that they had a search warrant, but the occupants - Valerie Daniels and Traci Daniels - refused to come to the door. Eventually, the detectives attempted to force entry into the motorhome, which prompted the two women to comply. Both were removed from the motorhome, prior to it being searched, without further incident.
During the search, detectives found approximately 1,234.7 grams (over 2.7 pounds) of methamphetamine, most of which was located in the bedroom closet, which brought the total amount of methamphetamine seized during this investigation to 1,350.9 grams, or 2.98 pounds, with a street value of approximately $17,000.
Deputies also discovered several firearms in the motorhome, which included a Taurus 9mm handgun, a Smith & Wesson 0.38 special, a Ruger 0.22 revolver, and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun. It was determined that one of the firearms was stolen from Marion County, Florida; this part of the investigation is still ongoing. Both women are prohibited from owning firearms, due to both having previous felony convictions; Valerie Daniels has 21 felony convictions and 11 misdemeanor convictions, while Traci Daniels has 11 felony convictions and 20 misdemeanor convictions.
Both women were charged with one count of trafficking in methamphetamine, one count of leasing, renting or owning a place for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance, and four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. They were transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida, where they are both being held without bond, as per the bond schedule.
"This operation shows how committed we are at CCSO to getting drugs off our streets and keeping our community safe," said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. "Each team member is dedicated to this mission because we know that drug-related crime impacts not just those involved, but also their families and neighborhoods, Everyone in our community deserves to feel secure, and that's why we're focused on making real changes. By working together across different units, we really live by the idea of 'One Community, One Goal.' This teamwork boosts our efforts and helps us stay united in tackling drug trafficking. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can address this issue, head-on, and create a safer environment for all."