Grand jury indicts woman for alleged large-scale drug dealing

FLORIDA – A Perry woman has been indicted for an alleged large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution.

A federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging Miranda Stafford, 55, of Perry, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the indictment.

The indictment alleges that between on or about March 1, 2023, and on or about April 11, 2023, Stafford conspired with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.  The indictment further alleges that on or about April 4, 2023, Stafford distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine and, on or about April 11, 2023, possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Based on prior felony drug trafficking convictions, if convicted, Stafford faces not less than 25 years up to life in prison for all three charges.

This case resulted from a large-scale, regional investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perry Police Department, as well as members of the Northstar Drug Task Force, including the Wakulla, Bay, Gulf, and Leon County Sheriff’s Offices.  Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.