Pair arrested on drug-dealing charges after traffic stop

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Brianna Monique Ward, 22, of Ocala, and Travarious Deshaun Wilson, 28, of Bronson, were arrested yesterday on drug-dealing charges after a traffic stop for driving 101 mph on I-75; Wilson was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after three pistols were reportedly found in the vehicle.

At about 10:08 a.m. on November 21, a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a Volkswagen Jetta on SW Archer Road after measuring the Jetta’s speed at 101 mph on I-75.

The trooper reported smelling marijuana and asked Wilson, the driver, to get out of the car. The passenger, Ward, reportedly said she had a medical marijuana card but was unable to produce it. Wilson reportedly said he does not have a medical marijuana card and does not smoke marijuana. The trooper reported that Wilson appeared “extremely nervous.” Ward reportedly said she had marijuana in her bag that was not in a labeled container.

A probable cause search of the car reportedly produced a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in the glove compartment, along with rolling papers. A search of Wilson’s purse reportedly produced about 21 grams of marijuana. A search of a bag behind the driver’s seat reportedly produced 80 grams of marijuana, baggies, a scale, and a loaded Glock 26. A bag in the trunk reportedly contained a Glock 19, a scale, a tray, 9.5 grams of mushrooms, 302 grams of THC gummies in commercial bags, 3.5 grams of THC wax, baggies, and eight tablets that tested positive for MDMA.

Post Miranda, Ward reportedly said the guns and marijuana were hers.

Post Miranda, Wilson reportedly said the guns and marijuana were not his.

However, the trooper reported that the in-car video in the patrol vehicle recorded Ward asking Wilson what was in the car; Wilson reportedly said, “Weed and gun” and then said there were two guns.

Ward has been charged with two counts of possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to sell. Her full criminal history is unavailable, but she has convictions for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug equipment out of Marion County. Judge Robert Groeb set bail at $110,000.

Wilson has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to sell. His full criminal history is unavailable, but he has three felony convictions and three misdemeanor convictions out of Levy County, including discharging a weapon in public. Judge Groeb set his bail at $170,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.