SOPCHOPPY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ARMED TRAFFICKING OF METHAMPHETAMINE

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts: possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “When President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi launched Operation Take Back America to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward eliminating the threats to our community posed by violent felons and drug traffickers, this was precisely the kind of criminal they had in mind. I am extremely proud of this successful prosecution that will keep a dangerous, drug-peddling felon off our streets, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders like this defendant until our communities are drug-free and safe.”

Court documents reflect that deputies with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report about a burglary in progress at a residence. When they arrived, the defendant was parked in the driveway and was engaged in a verbal dispute with someone watching the residence for the homeowner. Officers could see a firearm in plain view inside the defendant’s truck and, upon running his criminal history, learned that he was a convicted felon. Officers ultimately searched the truck and located approximately half a pound of crystal methamphetamine.

Martin faces up to life imprisonment, as well as a sentencing enhancement because he had previously been convicted of a serious violent felony, specifically, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.

As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.

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, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.