A Florida woman faces serious charges after allegedly concealing syringes and fentanyl inside her body during a traffic stop, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime.
Jessica Reno, 34, was pulled over on June 15 after a deputy noticed her license plate did not match her vehicle and that she appeared to be driving without a seatbelt. The deputy reported that Reno delayed pulling over for nearly 30 seconds despite multiple safe opportunities to stop.
“Upon activating my emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle tapped on its brakes several times, but it continued to proceed without stopping for approximately 30 seconds, despite having several safe, lit areas to pull over,” the deputy wrote in the affidavit.
Reno allegedly explained that she was on the phone with her daughter and in a rush, which is why she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. She also admitted her driver’s license was suspended and claimed she was using a friend’s license plate because hers had “blown off” her car six days earlier, and told WKRC.
After arresting her for the traffic violations, deputies asked Reno if she had any drugs on her. She reportedly denied carrying narcotics and was transported to jail. However, during a routine search at the facility, booking officers made a disturbing discovery.
“[T]he booking deputies discovered a black sock tucked into the area of Jessica’s vaginal cavity,” the affidavit stated. “Within the black sock, deputies located six (6) capped syringes and a bag of white powdery substance. While inquiring about the substance, Jessica stated that the substance was fentanyl.”
Reno initially claimed she “forgot” the contraband was inside her, but later admitted she hid it to avoid getting “sick.” She also allegedly told deputies she had purchased the fentanyl earlier that day.
The discovery led to additional felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance and introducing contraband into a detention facility. Reno remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The case highlights ongoing law enforcement challenges with concealed drugs during arrests, particularly amid the fentanyl crisis. Authorities warn that such concealment attempts often lead to more severe penalties.