United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – John E. Evans, 55, of Eastpoint, Florida, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This career criminal has demonstrated his unwillingness to abide by the law, committing repeated drug crimes. Given the outstanding work of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be distributing drugs in our community.”

Court documents reflect that Evans conspired to distribute approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine along with other federal defendants. On September 28, 2021, and October 9, 2021, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Evans.

“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive substance.  This sentence highlights our commitment to ensuring that those who bring this poison into our communities are brought to justice,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the safety and health of our Florida communities.”

"We are thankful for the partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith. “This kind of sentence sends a clear message that the sale of meth in our community will not be tolerated."

Evans qualified as a Career Offender and had an enhanced mandatory minimum sentence based on his prior criminal history. Evans had previously been to prison on multiple occasions, primarily for drug-trafficking offenses and had ten prior convictions involving the sale of a controlled substance.

The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tallahassee Resident Office and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. 

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.