By-Line: Joseph Bober, Public Information Office, FCSO
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies made 27 arrests this past weekend between 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, and 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Deputies handled 539 calls for service and made 104 traffic stops.
PACE Unit Arrests Two After Witnessing Drug Deal at Gas Station
On Friday evening, Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit detectives witnessed a possible narcotics transaction at a Palm Coast gas station. Detectives observed a male, later identified as Neild Joseph, 26, of Palm Coast, exit an SUV and approach an unidentified male on a motorcycle at one of the gas pumps. Joseph then handed an object to the motorcyclist, and the motorcyclist handed Joseph money in return. Joseph then got back in the SUV and drove away from the gas station.
Detectives followed the SUV, while the motorcycle was lost in traffic. After the SUV pulled into Bing’s Landing, detectives approached the vehicle and made contact with Joseph and a passenger, identified as Jason Mesagaes Jr., 24, of Palm Coast. While speaking with the occupants, a detective noticed a plastic bottle cap containing a white powder residue at Mesagaes’ feet. During the conversation, the detective further noticed Mesaga’s attempt to place his foot over the bottle cap to conceal it from view.
Due to observing narcotics inside the vehicle, detectives asked both occupants to exit the vehicle and searched. During the search, detectives found narcotics and drug paraphernalia on both occupants and in the vehicle, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, a glass pipe, needles, and more plastic bottle caps with white powder residue.
Detectives arrested Joseph for possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana (20 grams or less), and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was later released on a $3,500 bond.
Detectives arrested Mesagaes for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $3,500 bond.
Neild Joseph and Jason Mesagaes Jr. (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shots)
“I commend our PACE Unit for getting these poison peddlers, who are both frequent offenders, off the street and into the Green Roof Inn,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you’re a poison peddler or career offender, you’re next to go to the Green Roof Inn.”
Both Joseph and Mesagaes are well known to law enforcement, with nine and 12 previous arrests in Flagler County, respectively. Joseph has been previously arrested for child abuse, domestic battery, possession of heroin, fleeing or eluding law enforcement with disregard to the safety of others, and violation of probation. Mesagaes has been previously arrested for charges including burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, possession of cocaine, possession of MDMA, burglary of an unoccupied structure, petit theft, contempt of court, and violation of probation.
Man Arrested After Violently Attacking Neighbor
On Saturday evening, deputies responded to a reported physical disturbance on Nutwood Avenue in Bunnell. According to the 911 caller and multiple witnesses on scene, the victim was walking his dog when a neighbor, Justin Santos, 35, of Bunnell, ran after him and attacked him unprovoked. Santos struck the victim in the face, knocked him to the ground and into the swale, and had him in a chokehold before witnesses were able to intervene.
Deputies attempted to contact Santos at his residence, but he would not answer. Deputies then attempted to call Santos. However, as soon as deputies identified themselves as law enforcement, Santos hung up the phone.
The next morning, deputies located Santos walking outside the residence and arrested him for battery and battery by strangulation. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was later released on a $11,000 bond.
Justin Santos (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shot)
“Whatever happened between these two, it is never ok to get violent and punch or choke someone,” said Sheriff Staly. “I am glad that bystanders intervened before a serious injury occurred and called law enforcement.”
