CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Charlotte County Deputies observed a white Ford pickup traveling at a high-speed rate while on I-75 and conducted a traffic stop.
Contact was made with driver Joseph Bassett, 30, and front passenger Barbara Allen, 35, both residents of Fort Myers.
During the stop, Deputies observed a scale on the front floorboard.
The scale was handed over to deputies who noticed it was covered in a residue, which later tested positive for Methamphetamine. Bassett was notified he was receiving a traffic infraction for speeding, and due to the scale being located, deputies asked to search the vehicle.
The search deputies located a small silver handgun behind the front passenger seat, accompanied by a used meth pipe. The firearm was easily accessible to both Allen and Bassett. Behind the driver's seat, deputies located a small safe that contained a small baggie of Methamphetamine.
Lying beside the safe was a baggie that contained a large amount of Heroin and additional bags of Methamphetamine. In the bed of the truck, deputies located a Bolt Action .22.
As the investigation continued, deputies discovered that the firearm located in the vehicle's back seat was reported stolen out of Cape Coral on May 6th, 2020.
Deputies also retrieved a cigarette pack and noticed a small baggie with an off white/brown substance inside the package. This substance tested positive for Fentanyl.
During the traffic stop, Allen was within the truck's bed, attempting to contain a large dog so it would not run into traffic. While in the truck's foundation, Barbara was observed reaching her side where deputies then found a large amount of Methamphetamine (10.3 grams) and were directly beneath where Barbara was sitting.
Bassett had a large amount of currency, totaling over $2,000. Inside the vehicle, deputies also located four cell phones.
It was learned that Bassett was recently arrested out of Lee County for Trafficking in Fentanyl and other narcotics charges, and Allen is a convicted felon.
Barbara Allen was arrested and charged with the following:
· TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL 4 GRAMS OR MORE
· Amphetamine – Trafficking More Than 14 Grams
· Drug Paraphernalia – Possession or Use Of
· Possession of Firearm Ammunition or Weapon by Florida Convicted Felon
· Using a Firearm While Committing Felony
Joseph Bassett was arrested and charged with the following:
· TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL 4 GRAMS OR MORE
· Possess Controlled Sub WO Prescription
· Drug Paraphernalia – Possession or Use Of
· Using a Firearm While Committing Felony
