BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — A planned traffic stop led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, in Hernando County. On Friday, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) vice and narcotics division stopped 64-year-old Kenneth Mathis in the Damac Estates area of Brooksville.
The arrest followed months of surveillance, where HCSO detectives had been monitoring Mathis’ residence due to suspected narcotics trafficking. At the time of the traffic stop, investigators had already gathered enough evidence to establish probable cause for a search of Mathis’ vehicle.
During the search, authorities found 11 grams of methamphetamine and 7.9 grams of fentanyl on Mathis. A subsequent search of his home revealed digital scales, plastic baggies, and information pointing to another suspect, 43-year-old Lucas Eikenberry, who had been renting a room at the property.
When deputies arrived at the residence to question Eikenberry, he fled on foot, prompting a search. Investigators quickly tracked Eikenberry to a camper, where he surrendered after telling deputies he didn’t want to be apprehended by a K-9 unit. Eikenberry was found to have multiple felony warrants for probation violations, including charges related to fleeing law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance.
Both suspects are now being held without bond as they face serious drug-related charges.
