A Brooksville man was arrested on multiple felony charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Vice and Narcotics Unit on Feb. 21.
Detectives stopped a Dodge pickup truck near the intersection of Cortez Boulevard and McKethan Road after observing the vehicle swerving and failing to maintain a single lane, according to an HCSO media release.
During the stop, detectives identified Robert Saxe, 46, as a backseat passenger. The driver of the vehicle signed a waiver allowing a search of the truck. As the occupants exited, detectives noticed several bags in the rear floorboard area where Saxe had been seated. Saxe confirmed the bags belonged to him.
Upon inspecting the bags, detectives found:
- A loaded 9mm Ruger handgun and a loaded .380 Taurus handgun, both with rounds chambered.
- Numerous rounds of 9mm, .380, and .45 caliber ammunition.
- Thirty-eight blue pills identified as Alprazolam, a controlled substance.
- Seven grams of marijuana, a grinder and a digital scale.
- Additional .380 rounds found on Saxe during a subsequent search.
- A records check revealed Saxe had a prior felony conviction in 2010 for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of ammunition by a felon. A review of his rights status through the Office of Executive Clemency confirmed his rights had not been restored.
Saxe also had an active Hernando County warrant for fleeing to elude law enforcement and knowingly driving with a suspended or revoked license. Additionally, he had an active capias for failing to appear on a previous driving charge with a suspended or revoked license.
As a result of the traffic stop and investigation, Saxe was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Alprazolam)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Cannabis Under 20 Grams
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Saxe was also taken into custody on his outstanding warrants. Due to the firearm and ammunition charges, he is being held at the Hernando County Detention Center without bond.
