United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Tallahassee, Fla. – Edward Lee Cromartie, 45, of Tallahassee, Fla., was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison following his conviction on charges relating to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

“The Panhandle of Florida has been on DEA’s radar for quite some time regarding cocaine and, in particular, methamphetamine trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “We have made significant arrests and dismantled drug trafficking organizations throughout this region and will continue to do so.”

The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this local drug trafficking operation has been dismantled.  This substantial prison sentence ensures our community will be safe from this dangerous criminal for many years to come. Our citizens deserve safe, drug-free streets, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who threaten the health and safety of our communities until we send every last peddler of this deadly poison to federal prison.”

Court documents reflect that in July 2025, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Leon County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding the trafficking of cocaine in Leon County. During the investigation, agents conducted undercover drug purchases from Cromartie and his co-defendants, leading to the recovery of more than 167 grams of methamphetamine. Agents also identified a suspected drug stash location for the conspirators and, upon execution of a federal search warrant at a storage unit connected to Cromartie, seized approximately 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with multiple firearms, including a stolen .45 caliber handgun.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.