A former police officer who transitioned to a teaching career has been dramatically arrested on serious drug trafficking charges in Florida, following a multi-agency investigation that uncovered a significant narcotics operation. Amber Williamson, aged 40, was taken into custody alongside Marcus Plowden, 28, at their Daytona Beach apartment on January 23, according to official reports from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
Dramatic SWAT Operation Unfolds
The arrest unfolded as a coordinated effort involving Special Weapons and Tactics teams, with Sheriff Mike Chitwood personally overseeing the operation. Body camera footage released by authorities shows SWAT officers using an announcement system to demand surrender from the apartment occupants, followed by forced entry when no response was received. Williamson and Plowden were subsequently detained outside their residence, with Williamson appearing in a large gray t-shirt and Plowden standing shirtless beside her.
Confrontation with Former Employer
In a particularly striking moment captured on video, Sheriff Chitwood confronted Williamson, whom he had originally hired as a Daytona Beach police officer back in 2009. "Amber, you know the good guys always win, don't you?!" Chitwood declared triumphantly to his former employee. The sheriff expressed particular dismay that someone who had taken an oath to protect the community and was now working with children would be involved in distributing dangerous substances.
Extensive Evidence Uncovered
Following the arrest, investigators conducted a thorough search of the apartment that yielded substantial evidence. According to arrest affidavits, detectives discovered narcotics floating in the master bedroom toilet, suggesting someone had attempted to flush evidence when law enforcement arrived. Powder residue was found around the toilet rim, while a digital scale and several baggies containing suspected narcotics were left in plain view.
Most significantly, authorities located a white blender with fentanyl residue on a counter in the master bedroom, with test kits confirming the presence of the powerful synthetic opioid. Additional discoveries included bags containing fentanyl, cannabis, and crack cocaine, along with pill bottles, loaded firearms, and substantial amounts of US currency.
Suspects' Conflicting Accounts
During post-arrest interviews, Williamson claimed that all narcotics and contraband belonged exclusively to Plowden, describing him as someone who doesn't work and earns all his money through drug dealing. She informed law enforcement that he keeps his proceeds in a shoe box near the bathroom sink. However, Williamson allegedly admitted to occasionally delivering drugs for Plowden when he was "busy or out of town."
Plowden reportedly confessed to attempting to flush narcotics down the toilet when he heard SWAT teams at the door, telling investigators that since he couldn't quickly identify which bag contained fentanyl, he began ripping bags open in the toilet in a desperate attempt to destroy evidence.
Criminal Histories and Professional Backgrounds
Plowden has an extensive criminal record in Florida, including previous arrests and convictions for offenses ranging from grand theft to multiple drug possession charges. He was convicted of possession of paraphernalia in 2017, possession of cocaine in 2019, and possession of fentanyl in 2022. Additional arrests for domestic battery by strangulation and child abuse did not result in convictions.
Williamson served as a Daytona Beach police officer for a decade beginning in 2009 before leaving law enforcement to become a teacher at Richard Millburn Academy. Her name has since been removed from the school's staff directory. Both individuals now face serious charges including drug possession and armed trafficking.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Williamson and Plowden remain in custody as legal proceedings advance. Plowden's arraignment is scheduled for February 17, while Williamson is due back in court on February 24 for her own arraignment hearing. The investigation was conducted through collaboration between the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Port Orange Police Department, the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force, and SWAT teams.
Sheriff Chitwood summarized the operation's success in an online statement, declaring, "Glad to wrap up an early morning with 2 fewer drug dealers running free in our community." The case continues to develop as authorities pursue all available evidence and witness statements.
