Man Arrested for Meth Trafficking After Traffic Stop in Hernando County

Hernando County law enforcement arrested 32 year old Kenneth Harbaugh, born October 9, 1993, after detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit observed suspected criminal activity at a convenience store and followed the vehicle into a traffic stop on December 9, 2025. The stop began at the 7 Eleven at 15310 Cortez Boulevard and ended in front of a business at 15436 Wiscon Road, where deputies took Harbaugh into custody without further incident.

Detectives initially identified Harbaugh at the parking lot and confirmed his driver license was suspended. Records show he had six prior convictions for driving while license suspended or revoked. As Harbaugh left the parking lot and traveled eastbound on Wiscon Road, he slowed but did not immediately stop. Deputies reported the vehicle briefly left the roadway, and officers observed two small clear plastic baggies being thrown from the front passenger window. Those baggies were recovered from the grass and later found to contain a white crystal substance.

A subsequent search of the vehicle produced additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Officers located a zipper pouch containing a rolled fictitious twenty dollar bill concealing a small baggie of white powder, numerous used syringes, Suboxone sublingual strips, and a clear baggie with a green leafy substance. Harbaugh also possessed six additional fictitious bills that investigators said were below the statutory threshold for a criminal charge. Laboratory testing identified 22.9 grams of methamphetamine, 0.6 grams of cocaine, and 7.1 grams of marijuana.

Further investigation revealed Harbaugh was on felony probation from a prior Hernando County case for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, resulting in an additional arrest for violation of probation. He was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center and held on a NO BOND status pending first appearance because of the trafficking charge. Formal charges include trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of Suboxone, tampering with physical evidence, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, and driving while license suspended or revoked.

The case underscores local law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug distribution and to enforce probation and traffic related laws that can pose risks to public safety. Residents with information about this case may contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1 866 990 TIPS or submit a tip online at hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. Tips may remain anonymous and callers may be eligible for a reward up to 5,000 dollars.