Perry Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Stephen Lance Gamble, 46, of Perry, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, on August 31, 2022, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of that resolve.”

Court documents reflect that Gamble drove an individual into North Florida in a vehicle containing approximately 700 grams of methamphetamine. Gamble was also obtaining methamphetamine from two other individuals and selling the narcotics in Taylor County.  Ultimately, while arresting Gamble on a federal warrant at his residence, law enforcement observed drug paraphernalia which led to them obtaining a search warrant for his residence.  During the execution of that search warrant, law enforcement discovered approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine under Gamble’s pillow.

“The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the coordinated efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal prosecutors, along with our local partner agencies in fighting the meth epidemic that is destroying our community,” said Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett.  “Our office will continue to fight this ongoing battle, with the help of concerned citizens of our community. Remember, if you see something, say something.”

“The Perry Police Department is proud to partner with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other Federal and State partners in a concerted effort to remove this and other dangerous criminals that continuously spread the poison of dangerous drugs to the youth and other Citizens of North Florida,” said Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse.

Gamble’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most destructive drugs in our communities, posing a serious danger to the safety and health of our residents,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to hold those who bring this poison into our communities accountable for their actions.”

This sentence was the result of an investigation conducted by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Criminal Chief Gary Milligan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.