PLANT CITY, Fla. – A 17-year-old Plant City resident is facing numerous felony charges following an arrest on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that began with detectives observing him leave his residence armed with a rifle.
The subsequent search of his vehicle and home on Jap Tucker Road uncovered a substantial cache of illegal drugs, multiple firearms—including a stolen weapon—and tens of thousands of dollars in cash.
The investigation, which began with probable cause derived from a search warrant served on the suspect’s cell phone, culminated when detectives spotted Hector Santamaria Rosales, 17, exiting his home and entering his vehicle while in possession of a rifle.
Following a traffic stop, deputies conducted searches of both his vehicle and residence.
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The searches yielded a major seizure of contraband, including:
- Three rifles, one of which was confirmed to be stolen.
- Over $34,000 in cash.
- Nearly 120 pounds of THC resin.
- 500 grams of vegetative cannabis.
- Multiple rounds of ammunition.
Santamaria Rosales has been charged with several offenses, including Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1000 Feet of a Park, Community Center, or Recreational Facility, Minor in Possession of a Firearm, and Armed Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Santamaria Rosales is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
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