Flagler County, FL – A Florida woman was arrested on multiple charges after authorities discovered several syringes and a bag of fentanyl concealed on her person during a traffic stop.
The incident, which initially appeared to be a routine traffic violation, took a surprising turn when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office discovered illegal substances.
The Traffic Stop
On June 15, Jessica Reno, 34, was pulled over for a mismatched license plate on her vehicle—a Chevrolet truck with a Ford license plate. The deputy also observed that the driver’s side seat belt was “dangling near the door,” a sign that Reno may not have been properly wearing her seatbelt.
When the deputy activated his emergency lights, Reno failed to stop immediately, taking about 30 seconds before pulling over.
Upon contact, Reno explained she was on the phone with her daughter, which delayed her response. She then admitted she didn’t have a driver’s license, claiming it was suspended and she had an upcoming court date related to the issue. Additionally, the traffic stop revealed that Reno was driving with an expired registration and no insurance.
The Discovery of Drugs
After being Mirandized, Reno was placed under arrest for the driving violations. During the arrest process, a female deputy was requested to perform a search incident to arrest. Reno was informed that if she had any contraband on her person, she could face additional charges.
Reno initially denied having any contraband but was later found to be concealing a black sock in her vaginal cavity. Inside the sock, deputies discovered six syringes and a bag of white powder, which later field-tested positive for fentanyl.
Reno initially claimed she had “forgotten” about the items on her person. However, after further questioning, she admitted that she was afraid to reveal the drugs because she didn’t want to get “sick.” She later confirmed the substance was fentanyl and stated that she had purchased it earlier that day.
Legal Consequences
Reno was arrested and booked into the local jail on multiple drug and driving-related charges, including possession of fentanyl and smuggling a controlled substance. She was held on a bond of $11,500 and was released after posting bond.
The case highlights the serious risks associated with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that has become a significant focus for law enforcement due to its role in the ongoing opioid epidemic. Reno’s arrest brings attention to the illicit trafficking of such substances, and the dangers of concealing drugs in creative and dangerous ways.
