FLORIDA – A Port St. Joe man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida has announced.
Fabian Tomaz Frazier, 27, of Port Saint Joe, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Communities throughout our district are plagued by methamphetamine distribution,” said Coody.
“We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute armed drug traffickers who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”
Evidence introduced during the sentencing hearing demonstrated that Frazier was distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana in the area of Port Saint Joe, Florida.
On March 15, 2021, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Frazier near Lake City during which they said they discovered 11 pounds of marijuana and a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Frazier was arrested on state charges and subsequently released.
Despite his arrest and narcotics seizure, Frazier allegedly continued his illegal drug trafficking activities. On May 22, 2021, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said it used a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of 18 ounces of methamphetamine from Frazier, removing the drugs from the community and giving rise to the charges to which he has been sentenced.
“I appreciate U.S. Attorney Coody and his team for their hard work and dedication,” said Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison.
“Armed Drug Traffickers like Frazier needs to be off the streets and serving time in prison. Good job by all involved in this case.”
“We are extremely grateful for the local/Federal partnership that enables repeat meth traffickers to receive sentences which keeps them out of our communities longer, thus making them safer,” said Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith.
Frazier’s federal prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
“Methamphetamine is destroying lives and tears at the fabric of our families and community,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.
“We are proud to work with our partners to hold those that traffic in these destructive drugs accountable.”
The case resulted from an investigation by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
