Florida senior sentenced for conspiracy to traffic 130 pounds of weed

FLORIDA – A 74-year-old convicted felon has been sentenced for conspiracy to traffic more than 130 pounds of marijuana.

Jack Protzman, of Tavares, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis for conspiracy to traffic more than 130 pounds of marijuana. The court also ordered Protzman to forfeit $18,440, and an additional $32,800 was administratively forfeited, which amounts were traceable to proceeds of the offense, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida USAO).

Protzman pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.

According to court documents, an individual working with law enforcement met with Protzman regarding his marijuana dealing. Protzman showed the individual THC oil cartridges he was trafficking and said he purchased 2,000 cartridges at a time.

Protzman also reportedly advised that he cultivated marijuana out of state and could provide marijuana to the individual in 50-pound increments. Protzman said he was looking for someone to assist him in transporting his marijuana across state lines in a concealed compartment in a specially outfitted vehicle.

According to court documents, Protzman sold the individual hundreds of THC oil cartridges and pounds of marijuana, including one instance where Protzman delivered 110 pounds of marijuana in November 2019, which was seized by law enforcement. Agents said they seized $32,800 in cash from Protzman.

In 2004, Protzman was convicted of conspiracy to import 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana into the United States and sentenced to five years and 11 months in federal prison.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran handled the forfeiture.