GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended Mazavious Antwan Ross, 34, following an investigation leading to charges of money laundering and drug distribution. His arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing effort to curb illegal drug activities in the region.

The events leading to Ross’s arrest trace back to August 2024. During that time, a member of the Gainesville Police Department, operating within the Gainesville Alachua County Drug Task Force, orchestrated a controlled drug transaction. A confidential informant was instrumental in this operation, facilitating the purchase of a substantial amount of “molly” from Ross.

The informant engaged with Ross on the 1500 block of NE 8th Avenue, where they exchanged $400 for approximately 60 grams of the illegal substance, known chemically as a substituted cathinone. This transaction was part of a broader strategy to gather decisive evidence against Ross.

Prior to this transaction, Ross reportedly assured the informant that he would deliver a larger quantity than originally requested. This promise culminated in a subsequent meeting in September 2024, where the informant completed the payment for the additional drugs provided by Ross. This sequence of events played a crucial role in building the case against him, ultimately leading to his arrest.

Before the August transaction, Ross reportedly told the confidential informant that he would be providing more of the substance than the confidential informant had requested, and in September 2024, the confidential informant met with Ross again to pay him the rest of the money.

In October 2025, a sworn complaint was filed, charging Ross with trafficking in “molly,” sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a daycare, two counts of money laundering, and two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

A warrant for Ross’s arrest was issued on October 31, and he was arrested yesterday. He has five felony convictions (non-violent) and five misdemeanor convictions (non-violent); he has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2017. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $1.1 million, the same amount set by Judge James Colaw in the arrest warrant.

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.