A drug investigation during a traffic stop on March 25th in Punta Gorda led to the arrest of a suspect at another location for trafficking amphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.
At approximately 7:00pm on Sunday evening, a CCSO Deputy stopped Joshua Matzen (8/29/75) for a seatbelt violation, as well as the license plate on the vehicle showing an expired registration to a trailer. During conversation with Matzen, concern developed that he was on using illegal drugs. Matzen consented to a search, at which time 1.2 grams of methamphetamine was located in two bags in his pocket. Matzen was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. During the investigation, information about a larger amount of amphetamines located at a nearby storage unit.
The deputy then responded to Five Oaks Mini Storage, observing an open unit occupied by two subjects matching the descriptions obtained during the traffic stop investigation. The subjects were identified as Michael Goff (8/21/77) and Alexis Walton (2/28/92). During conversation with the subjects, a black plastic trash bag and a smaller plastic shopping bag were observed sitting by the unit’s open door, on the outside of the unit. Permission to search the unit was requested of Goff, which he denied. A drug detector canine was used to run past the unit, and the handler observed the K9 alert to one of the plastic bags, indicating the presence of narcotics.
Both Goff and Walton advised the bags did not belong to them and were likely trash from the unit. The deputy opened the plastic shopping bag, locating three bags containing a total of 56 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was packaged and labeled for sale, according to the deputy’s observations. Also inside the bag was a Samsung cell phone charger, compatible with the Samsung phone in Goff’s possession.
Goff and Walton were separated and read their Miranda rights, after which each provided a statement to deputies. Based on the evidence, as well as the statements from all involved subjects, Michael Goff was placed under arrest and charged with trafficking (more than 14 grams) of amphetamines, possession with intent to sell (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office encourages those with knowledge of drug activity to report it by calling our office or clicking here. You can also contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, remain anonymous, and receive a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers – 1-800-780-TIPS (8477)
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