Former Lee County commissioner arrested on drug charges

Brian Bigelow faces felony cocaine possession

By Mike Mason

CREATED Jan. 18, 2013 - UPDATED: Jan. 18, 2013

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 FORT MYERS - A former Lee County commissioner arrested early today on felony drug charges.  Brian Bigelow busted after police say they found 10 bags of cocaine in his pocket, and you may remember this is not the first time Bigelow's been involved in a drug related arrest. Four in your Corner's Mike Mason has the latest. 

 
Bigelow had another brush with the law last November, back then he told us he was innocent but proving that this time will be much more difficult.
 
For the past 6 years Brian Bigelow has worked as a Lee County commissioner at the old courthouse, today he was in a court of law - arrested on felony drug charges.
 
According to reports....around 3 o'clock Friday morning Fort Myers police were patrolling the Brookside Village apartment complex, a place known for drug activity. It’s something the apartment manager knows all too well.
 
Mary Streeter: "The police are definitely trying to help us with the drug issues, I know we're trying to get together a neighborhood watch program."
 
Officers say they watched Bigelow as he stood outside his car.....the person inside was a 20-year old man named Markis Avila.  When police approached the car, they say Bigelow became very nervous. Police called in a K-9 to search for drugs. They report finding a bag of cocaine under the seat and 10 baggies of cocaine in Bigelow's front pants pocket.
 
Bigelow had a similar brush with the law last November. A deputy says Bigelow let his friend, 19-year old David Henley - drive his car without a license.
 
While investigating...officers say Henley later admitted he bought some weed and when he was taken to jail deputies found a bag of cocaine. According to reports, Henley then told officers: "Bigelow used cocaine on a regular basis".
 
Brian Bigelow: "That is not true."
 
In November, Bigelow wanted to set the record straight, speaking only to Fox 4. He admitted he once had a drug and alcohol problem but recovered after going to rehab.
 
Brian Bigelow: "I entered treatment in 1990, December 12th of '90, I exited January 8th of '91.”
Mike Mason: "So you're sober now?"
Brian Bigelow: "Yes, yes thank you I appreciate the question, I do."
 
Bigelow bonded out of jail this morning. His case is set for trial February 18th.