Ocala Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine Lab in Ocala National Forest

Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges has sentenced Charles Michael Curry, Jr. (50, Ocala) to 30 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the charge in November 2014.

According to court documents, on August 9, 2014, United States Forest Service officers responded to the Ocala National Forest based on complaints that individuals had been illegally manufacturing methamphetamine there. Upon arrival, officers found a campsite occupied by Curry and two other individuals. Curry initially fled from the officers, but was quickly apprehended. Subsequently, he directed the officers to his makeshift methamphetamine laboratory, where they found approximately 155 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Curry ultimately admitted that he had been manufacturing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Officers also recovered drug paraphernalia in the immediate area.

This case was investigated by the United States Forest Service and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.