A two-month investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking resulted in five arrests Thursday.
Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit wrapped up the probe that begin in early December when undercover operatives purchased Oxycontin pills from Shaun Brandt, 36, officials said. Brandt reportedly informed investigators he could help facilitate cocaine purchases through a contact of his, later identified as Danielle Martin 18.
Undercover operatives arranged to purchase two ounces of cocaine from Martin, officials said, adding through this transaction, detectives learned that Martin’s supplier’s name was Jessie James Peterson, 23. Through Brandt and Martin, detectives were able to set up a meeting with Peterson, who reportedly agreed to sell detectives whatever amount of cocaine they wanted for $1,000 per ounce, provided they go through Brandt and Martin when conducting future purchases. This arrangement led to a series of additional cocaine purchases between undercover operatives and Brandt, Martin and Peterson, officials said.
On Jan. 29, undercover detectives set up another transaction to purchase cocaine from Brandt and Martin. Peterson was also expected to be present during the transaction. This transaction was set to take place at the Davis Boat Ramp in the Fort Myers Shores area. Once all three suspects were present on scene, arrest teams moved in and took all three into custody. As Peterson was secured, detectives located a firearm in his front pocket. One-hundred-forty-five grams of cocaine was also recovered, authorities said. A passenger who rode to the scene with Peterson, identified as Arnold Andrews , 24, was also arrested. Andrews reportedly informed deputies the gun found on Peterson actually belonged to him. This was a violation of the terms of Andrews’ probation. He was arrested and taken into custody.
A fifth person on scene, William Martin, 20, the brother of Danielle Martin, was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives recovered approximately 220 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of $6,000, investigators said.
Charges are:
– Jesse Peterson – Sale and possession of cocaine; 2 counts of trafficking in cocaine; possession of firearm during the commission of a felony; resisting arrest without violence
– Danielle Martin – Conspiracy to sell cocaine; 2 counts of conspiracy to traffic cocaine
– Shaun Brandt – Trafficking in opiates; conspiracy to sell cocaine; 2 counts of conspiracy to traffic cocaine
– William Martin – Possession of marijuana under 20 grams
– Arnold Andrews – Violation of probation

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office