Traffic Stop Leads to Convicted Felon Arrested with Over 200 Grams of Meth and a Firearm

July 21, 2026 – Punta Gorda, FL

A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a convicted felon with more than half a pound of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm.

Just after 2:30pm on Saturday, July 18, a Charlotte County deputy with the STAR (Strategic Targeted Area Response) Unit observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction, resulting in a traffic stop. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Mark Anthony Johnson (3/29/1981). Johnson has a long history with Charlotte County law enforcement, with arrests dating back to 2000.

The deputy asked Johnson if there were any drugs or weapons in the vehicle, which he denied. A K9 conducted a free air sniff of Johnson’s vehicle, providing a positive alert. Following this, Johnson was detained and a search was conducted. During the search, deputies located a brown backpack with multiple compartments. The backpack contained two clear baggies with a suspicious substance as well as a 9mm firearm. Deputies also located ammunition and an additional magazine for the firearm.

The substance, presumed to be methamphetamine, was tested and gave a positive result. It was then weighed, with the first bag containing 111.5 grams and the second bag containing 111 grams (222.5 grams total, a trafficking amount). Johnson’s criminal history was checked, which was lengthy with multiple felony convictions.

Johnson was placed under arrest on charges of:

“After more than 30 years in law enforcement, it still baffles me that people think they can get away with this in Charlotte County. We have made it clear that it will not be tolerated. My deputies are not slowing down their efforts to keep this poison out of our community. This individual will face the consequences – again – for his poor decisions. This was another great catch for my STAR team.”

Sheriff Bill Prummell

Johnson is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.