- October 29, 2024
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Editor's note: Since the publication of this story, Jordan Mercarter pled no contest to the charges and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, to be served over several weekend periods, plus a three-year drug offender probation. Mercarter served his sentence and then petitioned the courts for and received an early release from his probation. See below for the original story.
A 19-year-old man concealing a firearm en route to a drug deal was intercepted by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office during a traffic stop on July 9.
“Guns and drug dealing is a dangerous business and often leads to violence,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “While some might not think dealing marijuana is a big deal, it proves to be one when people are carrying firearms for protection and committing crimes. I’m glad this traffic stop by Deputy Conway was able to take this dealer off the streets before his drug dealing turned violent.”
The incident began when a deputy conducted a traffic stop on silver Kia on Thursday afternoon for traveling 59 mph a 45 mph zone. As the deputy approached the vehicle, he detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
The driver, Jordan Mercarter, admitted to the deputy that he had marijuana in a bag strapped to his chest. He also alerted the deputy to a firearm in the driver door slot. Deputy Conway asked Mercarter if he had a concealed carry permit, as the firearm was in his immediate reach, and he replied that he did not. Deputy Conway removed the firearm and secured Mercarter in handcuffs.
Within the bag on Mercarter’s chest, Deputy Conway located marijuana and hashish oil packaged for sale. Mercarter admitted to deputies that he was on his way to sell the marijuana and brought the firearm along for protection. Mercarter would not tell deputies where he got the firearm but it did not appear to be reported stolen. Further investigation revealed a larger quantity of marijuana and hashish oil at Mercarter’s residence, packaged for sale.
Mercarter was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Hashish, and Carrying a Concealed Firearm. He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and released after posting a $7,500 bond.
Two passengers in the vehicle were released from the scene.
