A routine traffic stop in Brooksville resulted in the arrest of a man on drug trafficking charges, authorities reported.
On December 13, 2024, Hernando County Sheriff’s Deputies D. Barlow and S. Belmonte stopped a bicyclist in the area of Alberta Street and Tascosa Avenue. During the stop, the individual provided deputies with a false name. The subject then attempted to flee by riding away on the bicycle but was stopped again by deputies.
Further investigation revealed the individual to be Steven Wendt, 35, who had two active Hernando County warrants for violation of probation.
A search of Wendt’s person uncovered two baggies containing a total of 17.5 grams of a crystallized substance, later identified as methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia. A search of Wendt’s backpack also revealed a scale, consistent with drug distribution activities.
Wendt was arrested and charged with the following:
– Trafficking in Methamphetamine
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
– Resisting an Officer Without Violence
– Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement
He is being held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. Tipsters will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
How to submit a tip:
– Call: 1-866-990-TIPS (8477)
– Text: **TIPS from a cell phone
– Online: hernandocountycrimestoppers.com
