AARON MELENDEZ. DEA RAID. BOYNTON BEACH COPS. DRUGS. MUSHROOMS. GUNS. NO BOND.
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Brooklyn man known as “Miami Bart” found himself in handcuffs twice in a single week, with his second arrest involving a federal raid that allegedly uncovered a significant stash of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and THC products. Aaron Justin Melendez, 34, was first taken into custody by Boynton Beach Police on December 3 following a traffic stop at a McDonald’s on North Congress Avenue.
According to the arrest report from the initial incident, officers pulled over a black Mercedes Benz Melendez was a passenger in after observing it make improper lane changes and noting that decorations hanging from the rearview mirror obstructed the driver’s view. Officers reported smelling burnt marijuana upon approaching the vehicle and spotting loose marijuana scattered on the center console. A subsequent search allegedly revealed a black Taurus 9mm handgun Melendez attempted to conceal under his foot, along with over 119 grams of marijuana in a Family Dollar bag. Melendez was charged with carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of marijuana with intent to sell before being released.
Just one week later, on December 10, Melendez faced more serious trouble when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Palm Springs Police executed a search warrant at an apartment on Ashley Lake Drive in Boynton Beach. DEA agents, accompanied by a K9 unit, allegedly found a trove of narcotics in a bedroom identified as belonging to Melendez. The search reportedly yielded 915 grams of marijuana, 295 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms), and a mixture of THC products totaling over 2,400 grams, including vapes and edibles.
Investigators say they also discovered marketing materials in the closet, including stickers and posters featuring a “Bart Simpson” character advertising marijuana sales, potentially linking back to his alias. A firearm box matching the gun seized in the previous Boynton Beach arrest was also reportedly found in a safe within the room. Melendez allegedly admitted ownership of the drugs and $850 in cash found during the raid after being read his Miranda rights.
Melendez now faces multiple felony charges from the second arrest, including possession with intent to sell marijuana, psilocybin, and a controlled substance mixture. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was held without bond following the December 10 raid. The investigation involved coordination between local police and federal agents, highlighting a continued crackdown on narcotics distribution in the area.
