An Ocala driver who was pulled over by law enforcement for not wearing a seatbelt is facing numerous felony charges, including fentanyl trafficking, after multiple drugs were allegedly found in his vehicle.
On Sunday, August 17, at around 10:30 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a driver, identified as 44-year-old Andre Jerod Roundtree, who was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the arrest report.
A traffic stop was conducted on Roundtree’s vehicle near the intersection of NW 44th Avenue and Blitchton Road in Ocala.
The deputy made contact with Roundtree, who allegedly admitted to committing the seatbelt violation. The report stated that Roundtree also advised that he “does not have a driver’s license.”
In the report, the deputy mentioned that a “white plastic bag” was visible between Roundtree’s feet, and Roundtree was instructed to step out of the vehicle. During an ensuing search of the vehicle, the deputy allegedly found the following items:
- One baggie containing a green leafy substance that weighed 5 grams and tested positive for marijuana.
- Thirteen baggies containing a white powdery substance that weighed a total of over 8.5 grams and tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine.
- One baggie containing a white rocky substance that weighed 1.5 grams and tested positive for cocaine.
- A “red broken pill” that weighed 0.5 grams and tested positive for fentanyl.
- Two unidentified pills that were broken in half.
- A “large amount of cash” totaling $1,667.
- A credit card belonging to Roundtree.
The report stated that a computer search of Roundtree revealed that his driver’s license was suspended indefinitely in 2023.
Roundtree refused to speak with the deputy after being read his Miranda rights. He was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
Jail records show that Roundtree is being charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams), and driving with a suspended license.
A court date for Roundtree has not been scheduled yet.