United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Tampa, Fla. – Ben Gordon (35, St. Petersburg, Fla.) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Badalamenti to 16 years and 6 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Gordon pleaded guilty on February 22, 2026. 

"Our agents will continue to pursue and investigate those who bring poison into our communities," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. "We will not stop until these criminals have been brought to justice."

United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, DEA task force officers conducted an operation utilizing a confidential source to purchase one pound of methamphetamine and approximately 27 grams of fentanyl from Gordon. On November 3, 2023, the officers conducted another operation utilizing the same confidential source to buy one pound of methamphetamine and approximately 56 grams of fentanyl from Gordon, and Gordon was later arrested.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.