FLORIDA — An undercover operation resulted in a 25-year sentence for a Florida man convicted of dealing drugs in the Big Bend area.
Hiawatha Laquinta Scott, III, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said Mr Coody.
“With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm and drug offenses.”
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida (USAO), an undercover officer made a series of controlled purchases of drugs and guns from Mr Scott in early 2023. The operation was part of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force.
On February 8, 2023, the undercover officer reportedly purchased a small amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Scott. Mr Scott also is said to have loaned the undercover officer a .22 caliber pistol.
Over the next several days, the undercover officer reportedly purchased more methamphetamine and firearms.
On April 20, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Mr Scott’s house, and officers reportedly recovered two ounces of methamphetamine and multiple digital scales.
“The Big Bend area is much safer with this violent offender behind bars,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard.
“The sentence reflects the severity of the suspect’s crimes, as well as the determination of the North Star Task Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
According to the USAO, Scott qualified for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal because he had three or more prior convictions for serious drug offenses and violent felonies. His convictions include a prior 20-year prison sentence for attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. Mr Scott had been released from prison in October 2021.
“A primary emphasis of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is the obtainment of sustained solutions to the various problems faced by Wakulla County, Florida,” said Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller.
“The collaborative investigative and prosecutorial efforts of my agency’s Narcotics Unit, the NSMDTF, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, followed by the conviction and sentencing of Mr Scott, provides a sustained solution to the ongoing threat Mr Scott posed to the community as he refused to live a law-abiding existence following his release from prison in 2021.”
Scott’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
This conviction resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Joseph A. Ravelo prosecuted the case.
