Federal Jury Finds Odessa Man Guilty In Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

TAMPA, FLORIDA - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that yesterday a federal jury found Antonius Russel Ford (28, Odessa) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Ford faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Ford was indicted on May 13, 2013.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Ford bought hundreds of grams of cocaine and crack cocaine from a supplier in Town 'n' Country, a community in Tampa. Ford then resold the drugs in Spring Hill and elsewhere. During the investigation, numerous telephone conversations between Ford and the supplier were intercepted by law enforcement. On April 12, 2013, agents executed federal search warrants at two businesses in Town 'n' Country and recovered approximately 255 grams of cocaine, as well as several thousand dollars in cash.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.