TAMPA, Fla. – What began as a stolen vehicle investigation quickly escalated into a significant drug bust for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old man on a litany of charges, including grand theft auto and drug trafficking.
Christopher Cody Talavera Sr., 39, was taken into custody after deputies located him in a silver 2023 Kia Soul that had been reported stolen from a local rental car company.
The vehicle was initially flagged to law enforcement on June 11, 2025, after it was reported missing from an area near Williams Road and Magnolia Lane.
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HCSO deputies successfully tracked down the stolen Kia. It was found discreetly backed into a driveway at a residence on Ross Street in Tampa. Upon confirming the vehicle’s stolen status, deputies proceeded with a search that uncovered a startling cache of controlled substances.
Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered multiple forms of illegal drugs, including Oxycodone Hydrochloride, Alprazolam, cocaine, and THC.
The discovery immediately elevated the nature of the investigation, leading to a more serious set of charges for Talavera.
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He is now facing a comprehensive list of offenses, including:
- Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- Trafficking in Illegal Drugs (4 to 14 Grams)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (x2)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x3)
“This arrest demonstrates the power of proactive policing and strong investigative work,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the swift action of our deputies, a stolen vehicle was recovered and dangerous drugs were taken off our streets.”
Talavera is currently being held on no bond as the investigation continues.
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