Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – James Richard Yakubsin, 41, of Alachua, was arrested yesterday and charged with purchase of a controlled substance, conspiracy to purchase a controlled substance, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and misuse of law enforcement databases. Yakubsin was a deputy at the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and was promoted to Sergeant in July. He was formerly a Marine and then worked at Gainesville Police Department (2007-2011) and High Springs Police Department (2012-2021) before moving to Dixie County Sheriff’s Office.

Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler said, “After learning of this investigation and arrest, James Yakubsin’s employment with the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office was terminated immediately.”

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard told Alachua Chronicle that Yakubsin left HSPD voluntarily, but Sheppard said he had demoted Yakubsin when he became Chief and Yakubsin was “under discipline” when he left. Sheppard emphasized that Yakubsin’s issues at HSPD were “nothing like” the Dixie County allegations.

Read Related Also: Son charged with murder after dad's remains found in yard

According to a press release from FDLE, the agency began its investigation in October after receiving allegations that Yakubsin was illegally purchasing methamphetamine drugs, Adderall, and Suboxone. The investigation shows he purchased drugs, both on- and off-duty, from two known drug dealers.

Yakubsin allegedly warned his drug dealers to “stay away” from another drug dealer he knew was being investigated and searched law enforcement databases to ensure there were no investigations or warrants for the drug dealers he used.

He was arrested by Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday and booked into the Alachua County Jail. The Office of the State Attorney, 8th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute this case.

All documents in the case are sealed, but the recommended bail amount on the warrant was $25,000.