United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Pensacola, Fla. –John Martin Elmore, 37, of Crestview, Fla., pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine or 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and one count of possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine or 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office, Crestview Police Department, and DEA are unified in their commitment to eradicating the scourge of meth from our communities, and successful prosecutions like this one ensure the traffickers responsible for flooding our streets with this deadly drug will find themselves locked away in a federal prison cell. The Northern District of Florida has zero-tolerance from criminality, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to deliver the safe, drug-free communities that our citizens deserve.”

Court documents reflect that law enforcement discovered and seized over 1,800 grams of methamphetamine in the defendant’s vehicle after a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics during a traffic stop on April 14, 2026. Pursuant to a search warrant, law enforcement reviewed the defendant’s cell phone, which was seized during the stop, and discovered evidence of drug distribution.

“That’s a pretty significant traffic stop seizure, especially for this area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “Our agents and law enforcement partners will continue to target those who distribute dangerous drugs in our communities.”  

Elmore faces a minimum mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment on both counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2027, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Crestview Police Department, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Thomas S.P. Geeker. 

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.