PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Two men were arrested after deputies observed a cocaine sale in the parking lot of a local bar, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators with the Narcotics Unit said they had been monitoring Phillip Jerome Barker Jr., 36, and had probable cause for his arrest. On the evening of March 24, 2026, deputies observed Barker arrive at CJ’s Tavern, where he allegedly conducted a narcotics transaction in the parking lot before entering the bar.
Deputies made contact with Barker inside the business and also identified another individual, Kristofer Tomas Matos, 36, who was allegedly involved and also had an active warrant on narcotics charges…