United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ORLANDO, Fla. - Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II has sentenced John Anderson Butler, Jr. (55, Daytona Beach) and Victor A. (55, Rockledge) for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.  Butler was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, and Rhynes was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months’ imprisonment. Butler pleaded guilty on December 30, 2014, and Rhynes pleaded guilty on January 28, 2015.
         
According to court documents, Butler and Rhynes were previously convicted in federal court for drug trafficking offenses.  In 2011, after being released from prison, Butler began obtaining drugs for Rhynes, who then distributed them in a secluded compound in Brevard County. Butler would obtain powder cocaine, and then Rhynes would convert it into crack cocaine. Butler used chase cars to move the drugs throughout Florida, and Rhynes used physical and electronic security to protect his operations.  In a two-year period, Butler and Rhynes obtained and distributed more than 10 kilograms of crack cocaine.
         
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.