St. Johns County Man Convicted In Methamphetamine Case

Jacksonville, FL - Yesterday, a federal jury found Frank Higginbotham (36, Hastings) guilty of one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. For the conspiracy offense, Higginbotham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life in federal prison. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the distribution charge. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 3, 2013. Higginbotham was indicted on August 2, 2012.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Higginbotham manufactured and sold methamphetamine at various locations in St. Johns County. During the conspiracy, methamphetamine users gave Higginbotham boxes of medication containing pseudoephedrine in exchange for methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine, which is an ingredient in many cold and allergy medications, is the primary ingredient needed to manufacture methamphetamine. On February 13, 2012, Higginbotham sold methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.