Deputies: Panhandler had gun, drugs, credit and ID cards

BRANDON (FOX 13) - Complaints about panhandlers on certain roads in Brandon resulted in the discovery of drugs, cash, a gun and ammo - as well as the arrest of a man who already had warrants out for his arrest. 

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said residents were complaining about panhandlers interrupting traffic near Gornto Lake Road and Causeway Blvd in Brandon. When deputies checked the area Tuesday, they found James Williams, Jr., who had outstanding warrants for violation of probation for several narcotics related offenses.

Williams was taken into custody. He was carrying a sign reading, "Homeless, Need Help, Thanks and God Bless." The other items deputies said they found were not as innocent. 

On Williams, deputies said they found a Cobra .32 handgun, ammunition, and packaged marijuana worth about $1,000 if sold. They said he also had several credit cards and identification cards belonging to other people.

Detectives were following up on the credit and identification cards to determine how Williams got them.