GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a car after realizing the driver’s license was suspended, and that led to several drug-related charges, including armed trafficking in 5.8 grams of fentanyl.

Jason Lee Dinkins, 39, of Green Cove Springs, also was charged with armed possession of more than 128.5 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

According to the arrest report, the driver, Marissa Ann Towery, 36, also of Green Cove Springs, said Dinkins was too tired to drive, so she was behind the wheel when she was spotted on County Road 209 on Oct. 21.

After receiving a citation, the deputy said the couple could leave, but only if Dinkins was the driver. The deputy then was permitted to search the car, and during the pat-down, he discovered a bag of marijuana in Dinkins’ waistband. Another bag with fentanyl was also found, CCSO said. They also found a silver handgun with a magazine with 11 rounds of ammunition.

Deputies found more marijuana and fentanyl in the car.

Towery was charged with driving with a suspended license and possession of 1.1 grams of fentanyl and 9.1 grams of marijuana.

Dinkins’ bond was set at $107,508, while the bond was set at $25,007 for Towery.