Former Daytona Beach Officer Arrested Again on Drug Charges

Amber Williamson faces new warrants for trafficking meth and fentanyl after being released on recognizance following previous arrest.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A former Daytona Beach police officer named Amber Williamson has been arrested again on new drug charges, just days after being released on recognizance following an earlier arrest for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is criticizing the judge's decision to release Williamson, saying it undermines law enforcement efforts to lock up drug dealers.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges with the criminal justice system's handling of repeat drug offenders, particularly those with ties to law enforcement. The quick release and re-arrest of Williamson raises questions about bail reform policies and the ability of the courts to keep dangerous drug dealers off the streets.

The details

Williamson, 40, was first arrested last week and charged with trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine after authorities found large quantities of the drugs in an apartment she allegedly shared with another man, Marcus Plowden, who was also arrested. However, a judge released Williamson on her own recognizance the next day. Just a few days later, Williamson was arrested again on new warrants for two additional counts of meth trafficking and one count of fentanyl trafficking. Sheriff Chitwood criticized the judge's decision to release Williamson, saying the 53 grams of fentanyl found in the initial arrest was enough for thousands of potentially fatal doses.

  • Williamson was first arrested last week.
  • She was released on recognizance the day after her initial arrest.
  • Williamson was arrested again the following Wednesday on new drug warrants.

The players

Amber Williamson

A 40-year-old former Daytona Beach police officer who has been arrested multiple times on drug trafficking charges.

Mike Chitwood

The Volusia County Sheriff who is criticizing the judge's decision to release Williamson on recognizance after her initial arrest.

Randell H. Rowe

The judge who released Williamson on recognizance following her first arrest.

Marcus Plowden

A man who was also arrested along with Williamson on drug charges in the initial incident.

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What they’re saying

“After we arrested her last week for trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine, Judge Randell H. Rowe released her on her own recognizance the next day. (...) Given that detectives recovered 53 grams of fentanyl during her first arrest (enough for thousands of potentially fatal doses), I must join the rest of the community in asking: WTF? If Judge Rowe feels that certain drug dealers should be released on their own recognizance and sent right back into our community the next day, it makes you wonder why our deputies and police are busting their asses to lock them up in the first place.”

— Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in Williamson's case will decide whether to grant her bail on the new drug trafficking charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system's handling of repeat drug offenders, especially those with ties to law enforcement. It raises questions about the effectiveness of bail reform policies and the ability of the courts to keep dangerous drug dealers off the streets.