PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – 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,” stated U.S. Attorney 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 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 continued his illegal drug trafficking activities. On May 22, 2021, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office 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 5 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.”
“FHP is proud of our partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I am especially proud of our troopers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and secure.”
“Highly addictive and incredibly destructive, methamphetamine can have a devastating effect on our communities. DEA remains committed to keeping this destructive drug off of our streets,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This sentencing demonstrates how strong law enforcement partnerships are integral to keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
This 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.