A Central Florida meth trafficker was busted and learned his fate in the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada’s courtroom last week.
34-year-old James Lewis Hodge III was adjudicated guilty on Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia. Hodge’s charges stem from his 2022 arrest. He was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections on the drug trafficking charge.
“The sentencing of this drug trafficker to 20 years in prison sends a clear message that illegal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities will not be tolerated,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Criminals will pay for engaging in crimes that jeopardize lives.”
On April 25, 2022, a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop.
Deputy Heuser approached the driver, later identified as Hodge, and explained the reason for the stop.
While speaking with Hodge about the infraction, the deputy could smell a distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the interior of the vehicle. A K9 Unit responded to the stop and alerted to the vehicle. Hodge and another occupant were asked to exit the vehicle so it could be searched.
Upon exiting the vehicle, officials discovered Hodge was on probation and had a condition of searching for contraband or alcohol. Officials searched his person, locating nearly 28 grams of pills which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Hodge was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine.
The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and Assistant State Attorneys Chelsey Omega and Gennady Gusak.
