2 men arrested after being accused of drug deal in Punta Gorda bar parking lot

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. —

Two men were arrested after being accused of conducting a drug deal in the parking lot of a Punta Gorda bar on Tuesday evening.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, deputies learned that Phillip Jerome Barker, Jr., 36, would be arriving at CJ's Tavern on Tamiami Trail to conduct a drug deal.

Deputies had been investigating Barker and had probable cause for arrest.

Deputies positioned themselves strategically in the parking lot and saw Barker sell suspected cocaine to another man, identified as Kristofer Tomas Matos, 36, CCSO said.

The two men then went into the bar, and deputies made contact with them inside.

Barker had a shoulder bag with him, which contained pre-packaged bags of cocaine. An additional bag was located in his shorts along with a large amount of cash, CCSO said. The total amount of suspected cocaine was 77 grams.

Both men were arrested. Barker faces charges of cocaine trafficking, possession or use of drug paraphernalia and driving with a revoked license. Matos faces charges of possession of cocaine, violation of probation and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“I’m still confused as to what these people don’t understand," Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said. "This is Charlotte County, and we do not put up with this garbage. There are no more warnings. You want to deal from home? We’ll come ‘politely’ knock. You want to deal in public? We will make a spectacle out of your arrest for the world to see. The bottom line is, we will find you and you will be held accountable. Get out of my community and don’t come back!”

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