Photos for Headline Surfer / Jasper Welch, 48, of Orlando, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, on gun and drug charges, shown above. Booking details at left.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 48-year-old Orlando man has been arrested on a variety of gun and drug charges, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred: "This week, our deputies in Sector I responded to a call about a man walking around a residential area making verbal threats while holding a rifle. With our aviation unit overhead, we were able to locate the man identified as Jasper Welch, 48, who was unarmed at the time, in the 7900 block of Arabian Place."
The OCSO continued: "Welch told deputies that he was under the influence of the illegal narcotics found near him and mentioned that there were more drugs and guns inside his residence."
A narcotics search warrant on Aug. 20 was authorized, and here’s what the OCSO said was recovered from the residence of Jasper Welch:
- 7 Handguns
- 4 Rifles
- Trafficking Amount of Cocaine
- 44 Vials of THC
- Cannabis
- 100+ Rounds of Ammunition.
Welch was subsequently arrested and charged with 11 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, armed trafficking of cocaine, and possession of THC.
"We will not tolerate illegal firearms or drug sales in our neighborhoods, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. "Thank you to the vigilant community members who reported this dangerous behavior. We hear you, and we will continue to respond and investigate these crimes."
The OCSO press release added: "Outstanding work by our deputies in removing these guns and drugs off our streets!"
Jasper Welch had his first appearance in court in front of Circuit Judge Michael J. Snure on Aug. 20, and was ordered held on $12,500 bail in the Orange County Jail.
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