United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Pensacola, Fla. –Ronnie Lee Small Jr., 48, of Wewahitchka, Fla., was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously being convicted of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine at jury trial. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “If the message from my office isn’t already abundantly clear, let me say it plainly now: if you peddle deadly drugs in our communities, my exceptional prosecutors will send you to federal prison. The citizens of this District deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities, and that is exactly what my office will deliver with continued aggressive prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences like this one.” Evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant sold methamphetamine to a confidential source working with the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office on three separate occasions with approximate weights of one ounce, one ounce, and two ounces. This sentencing was the result of a joint investigation by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This sentencing reflects the strong partnership between the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office and our local, state, and federal partners,” said Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. “Together, we remain dedicated to protecting our communities and ensuring offenders are held accountable.” “We are coming for methamphetamine traffickers in the Florida Panhandle,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “Our agents maintain a strong presence in that region and will continue to do so until these criminals are brought to justice.” 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.