Jeremy J. Trebbles Jr. played on the state championship team.

Carlos R. Munoz Staff Writer @readcarlos

SARASOTA — Jeremy J. Trebbles Jr., 18, a Venice High School football player who was on the team that won the state championship last month, has been arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school or place of worship — a first-degree felony.

Trebbles has been released from the Sarasota County jail on $20,000 bail. He was arrested by the Sarasota Police Department at 1159 Central Ave. on Monday night.

Trebbles’ arrest was first reported by The Scoop News.

Venice High School principal Eric Jackson said the school was made aware of the arrest early Tuesday.

“It’s very unfortunate. We had a great experience with Jeremy here at the school level and him being part of our football team and the state championship,” Jackson said. “It’s heart-breaking to see something of that nature take place. We wish him the best and hopefully he makes better decisions moving forward.”

An officer on a routine patrol in the area of 1159 Central Ave. saw a man, who they later identified as Trebbles, sitting in the drivers seat of a dark blue Jeep Wrangler with his head down, looking in his lap, according to a police report.

The vehicle was idling in the parking lot of the north side of Nick’s Central Snappy convenience store. He was the only person in the vehicle.

The officer stated that Trebbles made a “furtive” movement with his hands and placed a clear plastic bag into the center cup holders, the report said. He told the officer that he went into the store, but didn’t purchase anything.

The officer informed the high school senior that the area was known for high narcotic activity.

While the policeman spoke to Trebbles he noticed the clear plastic bag contained what appeared to be “crack cocaine.” Another arriving officer detained Trebbles and a field test on the suspected cocaine was positive.

Two separate plastic bags containing about 4 grams of cocaine, $410 cash, and three cellphones were found inside the Jeep. Trebbles was not the owner of the Jeep, which was towed.

The incident occurred within a block of Pioneer Park/Crock Memorial Church.

Venice football coach John Peacock said in a phone call to the Herald-Tribune on Tuesday that he hopes Trebbles reaches out to him.

“He’s a player of mine. I care about Jeremy a lot and hopefully we can figure out a way to get him going in the right direction,” Peacock said. “He’s a great kid. I love Jeremy. He’s a very good person and a very good teammate. Obviously, a horrible decision.”

According to ESPN, Trebbles, a defensive back, had offers to play Division I football at Boston College, Buffalo, Middle Tennessee State, University of South Florida, Southern Mississippi, and University of Toledo (Ohio). He also had interest from East Carolina, Illinois, and Rutgers.

He has not committed to a college.

Trebbles is due back in court at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 for his arraignment, according to the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Jeremy J. Trebbles Jr., 18, was arrested Monday by the Sarasota Police Department and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school or place of worship, a first-degree felony.

The senior was released from the Sarasota County jail later Monday on a $20,000 bond. He had about 4 grams of crack cocaine when arrested.

Trebbles was part of Venice High’s state championship football team this past season. Playing in the Indians’ secondary, Trebbles had one interception, a fumble recovery, forced fumble and six pass breakups with 57 tackles as a senior.

Trebbles had eight college offers, according to 247Sports, including Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Trebbles also played at Sarasota High before transferring to Venice and helping the Indians reach the Class 7A state final four in 2016 and capture the 7A state title in 2017. Both runs came with winning the 7A-District 11 title over Braden River, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, North Port and Sarasota.

The Indians eliminated Braden River in the second round of the playoffs the past two seasons.