Seven Pasco County Methamphetamine Traffickers Face Federal Charges

Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of indictments charging Ismael Alvarez (36, Dade City), Lonnie Griffin (63, Dade City), Juan Medrano (42, Dade City), Raymond Downing (51, Dade City), Lionel Florez (27, Dade City), Lorenzo Herrera (34, Dade City), and Richard Sanchez (31, Dade City) with distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, each faces a minimum sentence of five years, up to life, in federal prison. 

According to the indictments and statements made in court, on multiple occasions over a series of months, these individuals conducted drug transactions with an undercover confidential source. The transactions involved varying amounts of methamphetamine. Between April and November 2024, law enforcement recovered over 800 grams of pure methamphetamine collectively from these transactions.

On March 11, 2025, the FBI, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, arrested five of the defendants during an early morning takedown.

“These law enforcement actions demonstrate the FBI’s persistence in combating violent crime in our communities. We will continue to strengthen our federal, state, and local partnerships to meet our mission and to ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Zephyrhills Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.