On October 1, 2019, at approximately 4:00 pm, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cody Forbus, conducted a routine traffic stop of a white KIA on East Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. The vehicle was being driven by Brytanee Backus, dob 11/28/1990, who was the sole occupant. Brytanee was subsequently found in possession of a pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana.
Deputy Forbus, who is a certified K-9 Handler, removed Backus from the vehicle to further conduct his investigation. At that time, Deputy Forbus retrieved his K-9 partner, Ladybird, to assist in this investigation. “Ladybird” is certified in drug detection through the United States Police Canine Association. After an “open air sniff’ of the vehicle from the exterior, “Ladybird” reacted to the presence of an illegal narcotic. A more thorough search of the vehicle was conducted where at that time, approximately nine (9) pounds of marijuana was located.
Based on the traffic stop and the subsequent investigation, Backus was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and held at the Charlotte County Jail.
Sheriff Prummell advises that “his Deputies will continue to pursue those who illegally possess illicit drugs in this county” He further stated, “through my drug initiative, I will continue to offer help and assistance to those who seek it”.
If you know of any illegal narcotics activity in Charlotte County, please call our non-emergency phone line at 941-639-2101.
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