Man accused of giving deputies fake name, running away from DeSoto County traffic stop

A DeSoto County traffic stop for expired tags ended in the arrest of a man who deputies say had drugs on him and multiple active warrants for his arrest.

According to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, a deputy was patrolling the area of SW County Road 761 when he saw a vehicle with a tag that had been expired since March 1, 2025.

The deputy pulled the vehicle over near Lettuce Lake and Southwest County Road 761 and made contact with the driver. DCSO said that the driver was cooperative throughout the encounter but was cited for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

During the stop, the rear passenger of the car identified himself as Nick Villegas, DCSO said. However, dispatchers were unable to locate any record of a Nick Villegas, at which point the deputy approached the rear passenger side of the car.

The passenger, whose real name is Michael Villegas, ran from the car but was caught by deputies, DCSO said. Deputies then found marijuana and a pipe containing methamphetamine residue on Villegas.

A records check showed that Villegas was an eight-time convicted felon and had multiple active warrants out of DeSoto, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties, DCSO said.

Villegas was arrested and served with his active warrants. He also faces additional charges of resisting an officer without violence, giving a false name while lawfully detained or arrested, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.