PALM COAST, Fla. — A traffic stop involving a rented U-Haul truck led to multiple arrests and the discovery of drugs and paraphernalia, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies conducted the stop April 28 in the parking lot of a Walmart in Palm Coast after the vehicle reportedly ran a red light.
According to investigators, the driver, identified as 25-year-old Jerome Hurst, attempted to switch seats and claim he was not operating the vehicle. Also in the front passenger seat was 38-year-old Jessica Bontempo.
A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle. Deputies said they found a straw with residue that tested positive for fentanyl near the passenger seat, as well as a hollowed-out pen containing methamphetamine residue.
During the search, deputies discovered two additional individuals, 23-year-old Josiah Feimster and 23-year-old Bridgett Dubena, hiding in the cargo area of the truck.
Investigators reported finding multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including burnt foil, baggies with residue and a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Bontempo was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence. Feimster and Dubena were each charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting without violence. Hurst was charged with driving with a suspended license.
All four were transported to the Flagler County Jail.
During the investigation, a fifth individual, identified as 42-year-old April Hamilton, approached deputies despite repeated warnings to stay back. She was arrested under Florida’s “Halo Law,” which restricts approaching law enforcement officers during active investigations.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug activity in the county.
The investigation remains ongoing.