Marion Oaks man arrested in connection to heroin, fentanyl and weapon – News – Gainesville Sun

MARION OAKS – A Marion Oaks man was taken into custody after authorities found guns and drugs at a business he operates.

Richard Lopez, 54, faces multiple charges, including armed trafficking of heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

According to Marion County Sheriff’s Office officials, deputies received information Saturday that Lopez possibly had drugs at Lopez Auto Repair LLC at 244 Marion Oaks Drive. Members of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team obtained a search warrant.

Drug officials recovered a loaded Glock 27 .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a loaded Glock 17 9mm semi-automatic pistol; a loaded Keltec 9mm semi-automatic collapsible rifle; a Pointer 12-guage shotgun; more than 100 rounds of ammunition; a bullet proof vest; a pair of handcuffs; two pairs of plastic flex handcuffs; a digital scale; heroin; fentanyl; and numerous fake $100 bills, the report states.

Lopez was wearing a “U.S. Marshal Service” badge on his belt, which proved to be a fake, authorities said. He said he was wearing it “as a joke” and was going to give it to his brother.

Drug officials said Lopez’s Cadillac truck had emergency lights on the windshield. He told them he often has to pick up broken down vehicles. He also had a handcuff key in his wallet, officials said.

Officials said Lopez pleaded guilty in New York in December 1995 for felony criminal possession of stolen property.

Lopez was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He was released Monday in lieu of $58,000 bail.

Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb.