March 25, 2026 – Punta Gorda, FL
A man was arrested with trafficking amounts of cocaine after selling the drug in the parking lot of a local bar.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit learned that Phillip Jerome Barker, Jr. (9/27/1989), a man they had been investigating and for whom they had probable cause for arrest, would be arriving at CJ’s Tavern in Punta Gorda on the evening of March 24 to conduct narcotics transactions. Deputies positioned themselves strategically and positively identified Barker as he conducted the sale of suspected cocaine in the parking lot and entered the bar alongside the male who bought the drugs from him.
As deputies made contact with Barker inside, they were able to identify the other male as Kristofer Tomas Matos (4/26/1989), for whom they also had probable cause for arrest on narcotics charges. Both men were placed under arrest and searched accordingly. Barker had a shoulder bag with him, which contained a white powdery substance, packaged into small plastic baggies for selling, that tested positive as cocaine. An additional baggie was located in the pockets of his shorts along with a large amount of cash. The total amount of suspected cocaine was 77 grams.
“I’m still confused as to what these people don’t understand. This is Charlotte County, and we do not put up with this garbage. There are no more warnings. You want to deal from home? We’ll come ‘politely’ knock. You want to deal in public? We will make a spectacle out of your arrest for the world to see. The bottom line is, we will find you and you will be held accountable. Get out of my community and don’t come back!”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
In addition to multiple sale and delivery charges from prior cases, the Narcotics Unit charged Barker with several new charges to include Trafficking in Cocaine and Driving with Suspended or Revoked License (Habitual). His bond amount is set at $291,000. Matos was denied bond due to Violation of Probation. Both men are being held at the Charlotte County Jail.
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