Howard Beard Jr., of Fort Myers, was found guilty as charged of Trafficking in Phenethylamines – 200 grams or more, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving While
License Suspended (Habitual Revocation). The jury returned the guilty verdict following a two-day trial in Charlotte County.
On October 22, 2020, the defendant was caught on radar by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, on State Road 31, traveling at 98 miles per hour in a posted 60 mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted and the defendant was found to be driving on a suspended license.
During a search of the vehicle, multiple bags were located inside containing methamphetamine. The 10 individual bags contained a total approximate weight of 260.7 grams, a trafficking amount of the illegal drug. Beard was arrested.
Assistant State Attorney Caitlin Sorenson and Assistant State Attorney Alexa Lipham prosecuted the case. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2023.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office