Florida Woman Facing Charges After Accidentally Texting Narcotics Investigator Instead of Drug Dealer

A Florida woman is facing criminal charges after authorities say she accidentally texted a sheriff’s investigator whose number she had saved from a previous interaction under his initials. The major problem here is that the woman was attempting to text her drug dealer to score another hit of fentanyl. As a result of this mistake, the 41-year-old defendant is facing charges of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license, according to online records.

According to police, the case came to light on December 31. A Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigator received a series of unsolicited text messages from someone with the suspect’s name, according to the affidavit. The defendant allegedly said she needed “just a couple points,” referring to one-tenth of a gram of fentanyl. The defendant also stated that she had $45 to spend, and a meeting location was set, the affidavit stated.

Deputies ultimately caught up with the woman as she was driving on the highway. She had allegedly been driving on a suspended license that authorities had notified her about during a previous interaction with police. The defendant then pulled into the agreed meeting location for the narcotics transaction, a gas station in Panama City, where she stopped at the gas pumps and got out of the vehicle. Instead of her drug dealer, a deputy approached her while she was standing near the driver’s side door of her vehicle. She was detained and Mirandized, according to the arrest affidavit.

Police say that the woman admitted that she was there to purchase a small quantity of fentanyl to use since she was going to rehab later that day. The defendant also said she mistakenly texted an investigator whose number she had and whose initials were the same as her drug dealer.

A search of her vehicle turned up tin foil used to smoke the fentanyl, fentanyl test strips, cut straws, a digital scale, and a cut straw under the driver’s seat.

Unlawful use of a two-way communication device 

Florida Statutes § 934.215 defines the crime of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. According to the statute:

Any person who uses a two-way communications device, including, but not limited to, a portable two-way wireless communications device, to facilitate or further the commission of any felony offense commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Essentially, prosecutors must prove two things. The first is that you used a two-way communication device. The second is that you were attempting to commit a felony while using the two-way communication device. Purchasing fentanyl is a felony under Florida law. Hence, the suspect can be charged with the related crime of unlawfully using a two-way communication device to facilitate the exchange. She can be sentenced to up to 5 years in state prison.

Talk to a Tallahassee Drug Crimes Attorney Today 

Have you been arrested for possessing illegal drugs? If so, the stakes are high. The Tallahassee criminal defense lawyers at Luke Newman, P.A. represent the interests of those facing drug charges. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.

Source:

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