Florida Man Arrested for Meth Possession During Traffic Stop
A Florida man with a history of criminal charges found himself in hot water once again after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine hidden in his underwear. Thomas Carpenter, 41, was pulled over by deputies in Putnam County on March 18 for a suspected traffic violation. What started as a minor infraction quickly escalated when officers found evidence of drug use inside his car, which also contained two children and a female passenger.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities uncovered drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and a substance suspected to be methamphetamine. Carpenter, who appeared to be under the influence, had trouble staying awake and was arrested on the spot. While his female companion was let go, Carpenter was taken into custody and booked at Putnam County Jail where a strip search revealed a shocking discovery.
Deputies found 11 small bags of crystal-like substance hidden in Carpenter’s underwear, which tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 322.1 grams. Despite the incriminating evidence, Carpenter boldly proclaimed to officers that “there’s nothing wrong with drugs.”
However, his bravado did little to sway the authorities, who charged him with amphetamine trafficking, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of controlled substances without a prescription, smuggling contraband into a detention facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This was not Carpenter’s first run-in with the law. He had recently been released from prison after serving a three-year sentence for charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and fleeing from law enforcement.
Following his most recent arrest, deputies notified the Department of Children and Families as there were minors present in Carpenter’s vehicle at the time of the incident. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and the consequences that come with engaging in illegal activities.
