Two people arrested in stolen vehicle case

A man and woman were charged Monday with stealing a car from an Upper Keys hotel last month.

Tyler Thomas Drakas, 21, of Key Largo, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of cocaine, smuggling contraband into a jail and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessenia Bianca Gonzalez, 29, of Homestead, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.

The investigation began on Oct. 14 when a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic® was reported stolen from the Pelican Inn, 99446 Overseas Highway, in Key Largo. The ignition key left in the car and the vehicle was left unlocked.

Detective Ben Elmore reviewed video camera images regarding the incident. Some of the images showed a young woman taking the car. Detectives identified Gonzalez as the driver based on previous law enforcement contacts with her.

Gonzalez has been in the Monroe County Detention Center on Stock Island since Oct. 22 on unrelated drug charges. Detectives interviewed her at the jail and when confronted with still frame video photos, she admitted to stealing the car, but said Drakas gave her the keys.

On 7 a.m. Monday, Drakas was found passed out behind the wheel of the stolen Sonic where it was parked at the Holiday Inn, 99701 Overseas Highway, in Key Largo. The Sonic was stopped at a stop sign in the hotel parking lot with a the motor running and Drakas behind the wheel. A needle was on the passenger seat. Deputy Jacques Rozek recognized the driver as Drakas due to previous law enforcement contacts with him. Deputy Rozek attempted to wake up Drakas and discovered another needle in the car. Drakas awoke, but paramedics were called the scene. Drakas was awake, declined medical treatment, but appeared to be disoriented. He was placed in custody.

The syringes tested positive for cocaine. Items used to prepare cocaine for injection were also found in the car.

While at the jail, a baggy containing cocaine fell from Drakas pants as he was being searched.  

Drakas was booked into jail.

Gonzalez remains in jail.