Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies made 15 arrests between 6 p.m. on Friday, January 30, and 6 a.m. on Monday, February 2. Deputies handled 665 calls for service and conducted 78 traffic stops over the weekend.

Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests

On Saturday afternoon, deputies arrested two individuals on multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop in the area of Water Oak Road and Tangerine Avenue in Bunnell.

A deputy stopped a beige Toyota RAV4 for traveling 48 mph in a 30-mph zone on Water Oak Road. During the stop, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed marijuana on the floorboard. The driver, Brandon Landis, 40, of Bunnell, and passengers Adam Jordan, 40, of Bunnell, and Gage Watts, 30, of Bunnell, all denied having marijuana or related products. None possessed a valid medical marijuana card.

A search of the vehicle revealed a multicolored silicone pipe containing approximately one gram of THC wax, a plastic bag containing 27 grams of marijuana in the glove box, and additional THC wax in the center console.

During a search of Jordan, deputies discovered a small plastic bag containing white powder in his front right watch pocket, which tested positive for fentanyl. A second container with trace amounts of white powder was also found in his possession.

Deputies observed Watts drop a clear plastic bag containing crystal-like substances consistent with methamphetamine near the patrol vehicle. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine. A search of Watts revealed additional fentanyl, multiple straws with burnt ends, and aluminum foil.

“As we constantly find, those using marijuana almost always possess more dangerous drugs,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “Landis should pick better friends. Jordan and Watts have long criminal histories and made his car smell like dope.”

Jordan was arrested for possession of fentanyl, possession of hashish, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Watts was arrested for possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jordan was later released on $31,000 bond, and Watts was released on $36,000 bond.

Both men have extensive arrest histories. Jordan has been arrested over 20 times with previous charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, DUI, grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Watts has been arrested over a dozen times with previous charges including burglary, introduction of contraband into a state correctional facility, possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Landis was released from the scene after being issued a traffic citation for speeding.

Repeat Offenders Arrested for Home Depot Theft

On Sunday evening, deputies arrested two Palm Coast residents after they attempted to leave Home Depot with stolen merchandise.

Home Depot’s asset protection witnessed Moises Ocasio, 51, and Nichole Hardy, 41, both of Palm Coast, stuffing tools into Hardy’s large purse. They used the self-checkout to purchase sandpaper but did not pay for the items in the purse and left the sandpaper at the self-checkout counter.

Deputies and asset protection stopped them just after they walked out the door. Inside the purse, deputies found a Ryobi jigsaw, Ryobi multitool, and Diablo jigsaw blades. Deputies also located two meth pipes in Ocasio’s pocket.

Both have extensive criminal histories. Ocasio has 16 prior theft-related charges, and Hardy has prior convictions for thefts in Duval and Volusia counties.

“These two just can’t stop trying to get five finger discounts,” said Sheriff Staly. “With almost two dozen combined previous arrests, you would think they would have learned they have to pay for their tools just like anyone else that isn’t a thief that is!”

Hardy was arrested for petit theft. Ocasio was arrested for shoplifting after prior conviction and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested on a warrant related to another theft in which he stole a slushie machine from Ollie’s.

Hardy was later released on $2,500 bond. Ocasio is being held on $5,000 bond.