A Gainesville man is behind bars following a May 29, 2025 arrest after law enforcement officers discovered a large quantity of marijuana and firearms in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop.
Tamaris Lorenzo Roberson, 24, was stopped by officers who observed suspicious activity involving an individual with an outstanding warrant approaching his vehicle. Upon contact with the wanted person, officers detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from Roberson’s car.
Evidence Discovered Includes Marijuana, Firearms, and Drug Paraphernalia
A thorough search of the vehicle revealed over 400 grams of marijuana, two loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Officers found a concealed 9mm pistol tucked between the driver’s seat and center console, as well as an AR-style pistol in the back seat. In addition, a backpack inside the car contained roughly 454 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, several empty baggies, and a bottle of promethazine hydrochloride, a prescription medication sometimes misused recreationally.
Roberson, who possesses a medical marijuana card, admitted to smoking marijuana inside the vehicle. However, he stated that the marijuana seized was not purchased from a licensed dispensary, making it illegal under state law.
Charges and Bail Information for Tamaris Lorenzo Roberson
Authorities charged Roberson with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and possession of a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. He was booked with bail set at $100,000. According to court records, Roberson has no prior criminal convictions.
Related Case: Man Found Guilty of Machine Gun Possession in Drug Trafficking Case
In a related case, 20-year-old Lagarius Joseph Johnson of Gainesville was found guilty in federal court for possession of a machine gun in connection with drug trafficking activities. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department conducted surveillance on the Majestic Oaks apartments, where Johnson and others were reported to have firearms, including an illegal machine gun.
Johnson, prohibited from owning firearms due to prior convictions, attempted to flee officers when approached. Officers pursued Johnson with the assistance of a police canine, eventually apprehending him after he discarded a Glock pistol modified with a machine gun conversion device.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Johnson advertised marijuana for sale on social media and was in possession of marijuana, scales, and empty baggies during his arrest. He was convicted on charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances, and possession of a machine gun.
Law Enforcement’s Ongoing Efforts to Curb Drug and Firearm Crimes
These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in Gainesville and Alachua County to address illegal drugs and firearms, aiming to improve public safety in the region.
For more information on firearm laws and drug possession charges, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
