United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Stephen Lance Gamble, 46, of Perry, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, on August 31, 2022, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of that resolve.”

Court documents reflect that Gamble drove an individual into North Florida in a vehicle containing approximately 700 grams of methamphetamine. Gamble was also obtaining methamphetamine from two other individuals and selling the narcotics in Taylor County. Ultimately, while arresting Gamble on a federal warrant at his residence, law enforcement observed drug paraphernalia which led to them obtaining a search warrant for his residence. During the execution of that search warrant, law enforcement discovered approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine under Gamble’s pillow.

“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most destructive drugs in our communities, posing a serious danger to the safety and health of our residents,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to hold those who bring this poison into our communities accountable for their actions.”

“The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the coordinated efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal prosecutors, along with our local partner agencies in fighting the meth epidemic that is destroying our community,” said Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett. “Our office will continue to fight this ongoing battle, with the help of concerned citizens of our community. Remember, if you see something, say something.”

“The Perry Police Department is proud to partner with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other Federal and State partners in a concerted effort to remove this and other dangerous criminals that continuously spread the poison of dangerous drugs to the youth and other Citizens of North Florida,” said Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse.

Gamble’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

This sentence was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tallahassee Resident Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

More information about this case can be found at www.flnd.uscourts.gov .

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com , www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com , www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov , and www.dea.gov.

Follow DEA Miami via Twitter at @DEAMIAMIDIV