A tip from loss prevention personnel at Walmart’s 20th Street store to the Indian County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of a dangerous fugitive. The man was suspected of hiding a BB gun in his clothing. He was exiting the store when deputies arrived. A chase ensued. The chase went through a construction site consisting of unfinished buildings, and an area with trees and two ponds. Upon being caught, he resisted, even to the point of kicking at deputies while handcuffed. A search warrant was later obtained for the man’s vehicle. According to WPTV, the officers found a .25 caliber handgun, three homemade suppressors, 130 grams of methamphetamine and small amounts of LSD and marijuana inside of the vehicle. A digital scale and an unreported amount of counterfeit money were also found. Deputies later learned that the man had an outstanding warrant in Kentucky for the theft of more than $10,000. He was also wanted on a parole violation. So far, he has been charged in Florida with violently resisting arrest, trespassing on a posted construction site and retail theft. He is being held without bond.  At this point it would be important for this man to contact an Indian River County criminal lawyer.

No extradition request has been made yet by Kentucky. In any case, he is facing an extended prison sentence, especially if firearm and drug charges are brought against him in Florida. According to Indian River criminal defense attorney Jeffrey H. Garland, possession of 14 grams or more of methamphetamine is prosecuted as a trafficking case in Florida. There was no indication from WPTV as to whether the methamphetamine in the man’s vehicle was individually wrapped to an aggregate of 130 grams, but possession of a digital scale also supports a trafficking charge. Trafficking of methamphetamine with a quantity of more than 28 grams is a first degree felony with a minimum mandatory sentence upon conviction of seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If convicted as being a felon in possession of a firearm in Florida, the man can be sentenced to at least three years and up to 15 years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000.

If you or somebody close to has been arrested in or around Indian River County, don’t give any type of a statement or confession. Contact Indian River criminal defense attorney Jeffrey H. Garland. He is going to listen to you closely and advise you of all of your legal alternatives.