Crime & Public Safety
DeFuniak Springs man pleads guilty to hotel-based drug trafficking and gun charges
A DeFuniak Springs man pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearms charges tied to narcotics distribution from a local hotel in Walton County. Federal court documents state he admitted to possession with intent to distribute Methamp and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the court filings, law enforcement received a tip that the defendant was distributing narcotics from a hotel room. Investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office surveilled him at the hotel for several days and, the documents say, confirmed trafficking activity. Authorities arrested him as he attempted to leave the hotel and found Methamp and crack cocaine on his person.
Investigators then obtained and executed a search warrant for the hotel room. The search reportedly turned up several bags containing Methamp and cocaine, a stolen handgun with a loaded magazine, and drug paraphernalia, all detailed in the court record. The firearm possession counts stem from the presence of that weapon and the defendant’s prior felony status.
Court papers outline the potential penalties: a minimum of 10 years to life on the Methamp distribution count; up to 15 years on the felon-in-possession count; and a mandatory minimum five years up to life for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, to be served consecutively. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. in the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.