Man Concludes Federal Drug Case in Plea Agreement
May 3, 2018
One Florida man has ended his case in a plea agreement after being accused of over 12 federal charges for drugs and weapons. Allegedly the ringleader of a cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking group based in Tallahassee, the 57-year-old man pleaded guilty to two of the charges he was facing, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
He will now proceed to sentencing, where he could receive anywhere from a 20-year sentence to life in prison for the first charge; the heavy sentencing relates to his prior felony drug conviction. In addition, he could also be fined up to $20,000; the weapons charge brings another potential 10 years in prison.
Another man who was accused in the same case had earlier reached a plea agreement on April 19, 2018. That man pleaded guilty to drug charges, particularly conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and he could be fined up to $100,000 and face a sentence of anywhere between 10 years to life in prison. He will face a sentencing hearing on July 3.
The men were arrested in January 2018 after the Drug Enforcement Agency worked together with several Florida agencies to investigate the drug business in the Tallahassee area. As part of the investigation, the DEA reported that the man purchased kilos of cocaine from South Florida and methamphetamine from South Florida before organizing local distribution from his home. Five men were arrested and charged in the case.
People dealing with drug charges in Florida could face severe, lifelong consequences including hefty fines, jail or prison time and a felony criminal record. When people are accused of drug offenses, they may benefit from consulting with a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense lawyer might be able to present a strong defense before or during trial, including challenging police practices and questionable evidence.