A Hernando County pair have been arrested after a traffic stop led deputies and a K-9 to drugs in the vehicle.
According to investigators, on Thursday at 12:16 p.m., a Hernando County Sheriff’s K-9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a vehicle traveling on Shoal Line Boulevard near Richard Drive in Weeki Wachee.
The driver, later identified as Stanley Schultz, 70, was traveling 49 mph in a 35-mph zone.
The deputy asked Schultz for permission to search the vehicle. Schultz denied the deputy’s request.
The deputy then informed Schultz and his passenger, Deanna Thompson, 42, that he was going to conduct a drug sniff of the vehicle.
Once the suspects exited the vehicle, the deputy performed a ‘free air’ drug sniff with K-9 Meck, which resulted in an immediate alert for drugs.
Investigators say that on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, deputies located an eyeglass-style pouch that contained two plastic baggies, a straw, and a smoking pipe that all tested positive for methamphetamine. Thompson advised only the smoking pipe belonged to her.
On the driver’s side of the vehicle deputies located a gray bag that contained two crystal-like chunks that tested positive for methamphetamine. Deputies also located a smoking pipe and a handgun in the bag.
During questioning, Schultz admitted to ownership of all of the items in the gray bag. He also told deputies he is a convicted felon.
Another clear baggie was located in the chest pocket of a jacket being worn by Thompson. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine. Schultz claimed ownership of the jacket and the drugs found in the jacket.
Additional investigation revealed the suspect’s vehicle was not registered and had a tag attached that was not assigned to it. It was also learned Schultz’s driver’s license was suspended in 2017 and had not been reinstated.
Both Schultz and Thompson were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
Schultz was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving while License is Suspended – Second or Subsequent Offense, and Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
Thompson was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
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