Volusia County deputies, along with SWAT and the FBI, raided a Deltona, Florida, home tied to Mongols Motorcycle Club chapter president Jose Vega after receiving reports that drugs were being sold from the residence.
The search happened on Sept. 4 and brought law enforcement to a home on Ferendina Drive, where they found cocaine, marijuana, six firearms, cash, and Mongols gear, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Some of the cocaine was allegedly found after being tossed into a toilet.
Vega was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell and multiple counts related to possessing firearms or ammunition as a convicted felon.
Despite the impressive collection of things that generally make a case much worse, Vega is already back out of jail. Reports said he was released on bond after his arrest.
The Start
The search was conducted after authorities received reports of drug sales taking place at the house. The sheriff’s office did not provide additional details about the firearms, the amount of cash, or the quantity of drugs in its public post.
Under Florida law, possessing a controlled substance like cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver it is a felony. The “intent to sell” part is what separates this allegation from simple drug possession.
Serious Gun Charges
Florida law generally prohibits people who have previously been convicted of felonies from possessing firearms or ammunition.
That means the allegation isn’t just that guns were found inside the home. Prosecutors would have to prove Vega had possession of the alleged gun and ammunition and was barred from owning them because of a previous felony conviction.
The Sheriff’s Office listed four separate counts involving possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Those charges remain allegations until proven in court.
Two More Arrests and Two Kids Removed
Vega was not the only person arrested during the search. The Sheriff’s Office said it arrested two other people at the scene, but the post did not identify them. Two children were also inside the home during the operation and were turned over to another family member.
With all these charges and accusations, Vega is already out of jail. The Sheriff’s Office’s public post also leaves several details unanswered, including the amount of cocaine, the cash recovered, and the identities of the two other people arrested, along with their charges.