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Man living in home where 3 people were killed in Jupiter dealt drugs, affidavit says

Posted at 10:57 AM, Feb 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-10 20:36:50-05

The man who was living in the Mohawk Street home where a triple homicide occurred had a cache of weapons and has admitted that he sold illegal drugs from the residence, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday.

Following the execution of a search warrant, the complaint says police found six firearms, ammo, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs in the residence.

 

Police said they seized a loaded KEL-TEC PLR-16 firearm, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Spiker Tactical Carbine assault rifle, a Raven Arms MP-25 pistol, a Colt Trooper MK II .357 and a CETME Sporter .308 rifle.

In addition, police found Tupperware with marijuana packaged in bags for sale, 914 Xanax tablets, hash oil, cocaine and medical edible narcotics, the affidavit said.

Charles Vorpagel is facing charges of a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the court document, Vorpagel said he lived alone at the residence on Mohawk Street but would occasionally have overnight guests and that he worked with another person to buy and sell firearms.

Following his first appearance Friday, Vorpagel's father told reporters he was unaware of the drugs and guns in the house, and he has continued to maintain his son is not responsible for the murders.

"I hope this gets wrapped up soon and quickly for the safety of everyone involved,” he said.

Former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan says it's unusual that a convicted felon would agree to an interview with police.

"It would seem that most people in that type of situation would exercise their right to remain silent," said Kaplan.

Kaplan says based on experience, it's possible Vorpagel talked because he might realize own safety might be on the line.

Vorpagel has prior felony convictions, according to the FBI. An agent said in July 2010 in Palm Beach County he had pleaded guilty to a felony state charge of carrying a concealed firearm.

Kelli J. Doherty, 20, of Tequesta, Brandi El-Salhy, 24, of Gainesville and Sean P. Henry, 25, of Jupiter were shot and killed Sunday night at the Mohawk home where Vorpagel lives.

Police say an injured person was found not long after the homicides and is hospitalized. They have not been able to interview the individual.

Police Chief Frank Kitzerow has said there is a person of interest, but no suspect in the case and the crime was not a random act of violence.