Boca Raton Man Charged with Heroin Trafficking, Firearm Offenses After Traffic Stop

Frank Alberto Autuori (Photo: Palm Beach County Jail)

A 53-year-old Boca Raton man is facing felony charges of heroin trafficking and illegal firearm possession after officers stopped his vehicle for a traffic violation and discovered suspected narcotics and three loaded handguns inside, according to police.

Frank Alberto Autuori was arrested at about 11:15 p.m. on July 12 following a traffic stop at the intersection of Federal Highway and NE 20th Street, according to a Boca Raton police report filed in court this week. According to the report, officers pulled over Autuori’s black 1987 Buick Regal after he ran a red light. The officer then called out a K9 unit, who alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. A subsequent search allegedly turned up approximately 8.7 grams of suspected heroin in the form of 50 blue tablets marked “M/30.” The tablets were located in the front passenger area, including the center console and a bag on the floorboard. A field test indicated the presence of heroin, according to the report.

Officers also allegedly found three loaded handguns in the vehicle. A prescription bottle containing 45 oxycodone 30mg pills was allegedly located under the front passenger seat.

Autuori was charged with trafficking in heroin (over 4 grams but less than 14 grams), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where he remained Thursday night in lieu of $150,000 combined bail for four separate charges.