A 44-year-old man was arrested after deputies discovered more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl during a welfare check at a busy truck stop.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 10:25 p.m. on February 18 at the Pilot Truck Stop parking lot, located at 2020 SW Highway 484.
A deputy reported that while on patrol he noticed a white pickup truck parked at pump No. 13 with its engine running. The driver appeared to be unconscious, and another vehicle was waiting behind the truck to fuel. The driver did not exit the vehicle or move, raising concerns about his well-being.
When the deputy approached the vehicle, he observed the driver, identified as Joseph Anthony Anastasio, slumped over and unresponsive. After knocking on the window without response, the deputy opened the unlocked driver’s door to check on him. Anastasio then woke up and appeared disoriented, telling the deputy he had been sleeping.
While speaking with Anastasio outside the vehicle, the deputy observed in plain view a clear baggie containing a crystal-like substance inside the driver’s side door. The substance was later field-tested and returned positive results for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The raw weight of the methamphetamine was reported at 54.5 grams.
During a search incident to arrest, deputies also located 20¼ pills identified as alprazolam in Anastasio’s shorts pocket, as well as a methamphetamine pipe concealed in his sock.
Anastasio later admitted the methamphetamine belonged to him and stated he had purchased it earlier that day, according to the affidavit.
Medics responded to evaluate Anastasio after he acknowledged possible narcotics use earlier in the day. Deputies reported his vital signs were normal and he did not require medical treatment.
Anastasio was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine 14 grams or more, trafficking in fentanyl 4 grams or more, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Marion County Jail and is being held without bond.
