A Hernando County jewelry store owner is facing serious charges for allegedly using his business as a front for selling cocaine. Pedro Martinez, 54, owner of Three J Jewelers, located at 4066 Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill, was arrested following an investigation into his store by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Vice and Narcotics Unit.
The arrest occurred last Friday when authorities executed a search warrant at the jewelry store. The search turned up cocaine and crack cocaine, leading to Martinez's arrest for drug trafficking among other charges. Despite, the staggering $275,000 bond, Martinez is currently being held at the Hernando County Detention Center, WFLA reported.
First Coast News detailed the charges against Martinez, including one count of trafficking in cocaine, four counts of sale of cocaine, four counts of possession of a structure with the intent to sell a controlled substance, four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, four counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and four counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The HCSO vice and narcotics unit had been investigating the Three J Jewelers for several months prior to the arrest, after suspicions arose that the store was involved in drug trafficking. During the raid, law enforcement confirmed the presence of "trafficking amounts" of narcotics, substances that can, devastate communities and fan the flames of addiction. CBS12 also noted that officials are asking anyone with further information to contact the Hernando County Crime Stoppers.
The case brings to light the concerning issue of legitimate businesses potentially serving as fronts for illegal activities. The local community has been jarred by the revelation that a trusted business owner could be involved in such high-level drug trafficking. This ongoing case is under scrutiny and the HCSO continues to urge the public to come forward with any information that could aid in their investigation.
