Seven convicted, sentenced in large scale drug trafficking operation

BAY COUNTY, Fla.– Seven individuals have been convicted and sentenced in a long-term drug trafficking investigation in Bay County.

Last week, a federal judge sentenced the seventh defendant in a large-scale methamphetamine and oxycodone trafficking organization operating primarily in Bay. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the convictions and sentences.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said Coody.

“We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and prosecution of criminals who would bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentences illustrate the significant consequences of harming our citizens through their illicit drug trafficking activities.”

The defendants and their sentences are:

• Darrell Britt, 33, of Panama City, Florida, 300 months in prison
• Marcel Michaud, 57, of Southport, Florida, 144 months in prison
• Kenneth Sizemore, 57, of Youngstown, Florida, 120 months in prison
• Johnny Wayne Carr, 58, of Panama City, Florida, 212 months in prison
• James Wilson, 60, of Panama City, Florida, 140 months in prison
• David Barron, 60, of Panama City, Florida, 108 months in prison
• Mary Ann Brown, 52, of Youngstown, Florida, 108 months in prison

All will be on supervised release once they are released from custody.

“We recognize the power in effective partnerships,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.

“Our work with DEA and the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida is resulting in convictions and removing illegal narcotics from our streets. This is a win for the people of Bay County.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida (USAO), in August 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Panama City Resident Office Task Force initiated an investigation targeting the alleged distribution of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and multi-thousands of prescription narcotics pills in Bay County and surrounding areas of north Florida.

Over the course of the two-year investigation, DEA, working with state and local partners, compiled evidence to secure indictments on seven Federal defendants and approximately 16 state defendants.

The investigation led to the seizure of several kilograms of methamphetamine, firearms, U.S. currency, vehicles, construction machinery, and real estate purchased from the sale of narcotics, the USAO said.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Police Department, Panama City Beach Police Department, Lynn Haven Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Chipley Police Department, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bay County State’s Attorney Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Walter Narramore and Amanda Gordon prosecuted the case.