A Holly Hill pastor said he did not know of alleged criminal activity tied to a church-owned home.
HOLLY HILL, Fla. — A church-owned property became one focus of a wider Volusia County gang investigation Wednesday as SWAT officers served a search warrant connected to Operation Ice Breaker.
The search at Greater Harvest Ministries was one of 10 warrants carried out across Volusia County. Authorities said the broader operation targeted alleged members of the Cutthroat Killers gang and could lead to more than 50 arrests tied to drugs, guns and shootings.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said investigators believe drugs and firearms were being stored at a church-owned home where the pastor’s son was living. “This is where they were storing their dope and their guns,” Chitwood said while describing evidence gathered during the yearlong investigation.
Pastor Terry Brown denied knowing about criminal activity connected to the property. “The church owns the house. No, I was not aware of the criminal activity associated with the church,” Brown said. He also denied claims that his children were operating a criminal enterprise from the site.
Officials said the church search was part of a larger case that used surveillance and a federal wiretap. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said investigators believe the alleged gang is connected to shootings, overdose deaths and trafficking in fentanyl, crack cocaine and other illegal drugs.
The investigation began in 2024 with Daytona Beach police and later grew into a multi-agency effort involving local, state and federal law enforcement. Authorities said Wednesday’s operation marked the second phase of the case.
No complete list of charges or seized evidence had been released by Wednesday night. Authorities said more arrests and details are expected as investigators continue processing the results of the searches.
Author note: Last updated July 1, 2026.