Daytona Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Federal Drug Offense

Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell today sentenced Fortune Tyrone Hill (34, Daytona Beach) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 100 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine. He was sentenced as a career offender because he has at least two prior felony convictions. Hill was found guilty on October 15, 2014, following a bench trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on May 20, 2014, officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex, where an individual reported that her vehicle license tag had been stolen. When officers arrived at the complex, Hill attempted to flee and struck one of the officers. He was eventually arrested. Plastic bags containing a total of more than 100 grams of “crack” cocaine, two digital scales, and $1,020 were recovered during a search of Hill. Officers also recovered an additional $1,630 from his rental car.

This case was investigated by the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.