South Florida Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

MIAMI – Today, a federal district judge sentenced Shelton Andrews, 38, of Highlands County, Florida, to 240 months in federal prison.  Earlier this year, Andrews pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  

On September 27, 2021, Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to arrest Andrews on an outstanding warrant in Sebring, Florida.  As officers approached, Andrews ran from the scene, throwing to the ground a backpack and loaded Smith & Wesson, Model 37, .38 caliber revolver.  The backpack carried 211 grams of methamphetamine.  The grip of the loaded gun carried Andrews’ DNA.  While Andrews evaded arrest that day, he was taken into police custody a few weeks later, following a high-speed car chase.

Andrews was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines.

Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Miami, and Paul Blackman, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriff's Office, announced the sentence imposed in federal court in Ft. Pierce by U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-14045.  

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