A wanted man and his companion were arrested on drug charges after an officer found drug paraphernalia scattered inside their vehicle.
The Fruitland Park Police Department detained 54-year-old Jack Martin of Leesburg and 42-year-old Megan Carrie Monaco of Tavares following the discovery of pipes and Brillo pad pieces throughout their vehicle Sunday, March 23, according to an arrest report.
On March 8, an officer stopped a vehicle driven by Martin. At the time, he falsely identified himself as “Arthur James Martin.” An officer established probable cause to charge Martin with possession of drug paraphernalia through an investigation.
The officer completed a misdemeanor citation under the false name and released Martin from the scene. Further investigation revealed he gave a false name, and his real name had a suspended license and multiple warrants for his arrest. Another arrest warrant was issued for his arrest as a result, the report said.
A couple of weeks later, an officer observed a black Dodge minivan headed north on County Road 468. He was able to identify Martin as the passenger. He also checked the temporary tag attached to the vehicle, learning it expired on March 19 and was not assigned to the vehicle, the report said.
The officer approached the passenger side and spoke with Martin. He was asked for his name and again identified himself as “Arthur.” He continually tried to convince the officer that it was his name but stated he could not remember his social security number when asked. Another officer was asked to come to the scene with a fingerprint scanner, and Martin was handcuffed in the meantime, the report said.
The officer next spoke with the driver, Monaco, and asked for consent to search the vehicle. She denied it, so a K-9 was brought over to the vehicle to sniff around the outside. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, establishing probable cause for a search, the report said.
During the search, the officer found Monaco’s purse directly beside the driver’s seat. Inside was a gray zipper pouch containing pipes for marijuana and crack cocaine as well as multiple pieces of Brillo pad which act as a filter when smoking crack cocaine. Also in her purse was a white pill bottle labeled “Buprenorphine” containing multiple Seroquel tablets and one unidentifiable round tablet, the report said.
The officer discovered another pipe sitting on the dashboard-mounted cupholder between the two front seats. The report noted this was the same spot where another crack-cocaine pipe was found in Martin’s possession during the incident on March 8. This pipe had burnt ends and a piece of Brillo pad stuffed in one end acting as a filter, the report said.
In the back of the minivan, which appeared to be living quarters, the officer found multiple broken pieces of glass with white residue. He also located several pieces of burnt and unburnt Brillo pad scattered around the area, the report said.
The pocket behind the passenger seat contained the title to the vehicle, which did not have any information filled out regarding the buyer or seller. Because of this, it would be impossible to register the vehicle. A check of the VIN confirmed the vehicle was not registered and did not have a license plate attached, the report said.
While the officer continued searching the vehicle, another officer informed him that Monaco had a white powdery substance in her pant pocket that she claimed to be crushed Suboxone, or Buprenorphine. This substance later tested positive for cocaine, the report said.
The officer brought up the paraphernalia found in the purse to Monaco, and she initially denied ownership. She claimed Martin put it in her purse. She later admitted it was hers and that she used marijuana and crack-cocaine, the report said.
The officer also returned to Martin who agreed to answer his questions. He was adamant that his name was really Arthur. He ultimately admitted his real name to another officer, saying he did not want to be charged with a felony, the report said.
Martin was arrested and charged with provide false name to law enforcement officer and possession of drug paraphernalia. The Arizona native was transported to Lake County Jail with bond set at $28,650.
Monaco was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operate unregistered motor vehicle. The Connecticut native was taken to jail with bond set at $4,000.