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Rockledge man accused of selling drugs with 2-year-old in car

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — A man accused of selling heroin in Brevard County was arrested as a 2-year-old sat in his car as he sold the drugs, authorities said.

Three agencies worked together undercover to arrest John Burkett.

Agents said Burkett was supposed to be babysitting when he was taken into custody, and Rockledge police said he never mentioned the 2-year-old that was sitting in his back seat at the time.

Burkett, 29, appeared before a judge Friday on charges of possession with intent to sell and child neglect.

He was taken into custody off Barton Boulevard in on Thursday after making a deal with undercover officer for the third time, police said.

"The child was considerably upset because he just witnessed a take down.  It was his girlfriend's child," said Rockledge police Detective Bob Weigel.

When Burkett's girlfriend arrived at the scene, her child wasn't dressed for the weather and was only wearing a thin, dragon Halloween costume and no additional clothing, police said.

The young boy was returned to his mother and the Department of Children and Families was notified.

"It was a surprise to the agents on the scene," said Weigel. "Anything could have happened. Fortunately it went like clockwork."

If Burkett hopes to bond out, he'll have to show that the money he's using didn't come from the sale of drugs, authorities said.

After his arrest, Burkett told police he worked for a local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.

Channel 9 was not able to confirm that, however, and Burkett had no interest in an interview.