Lisa M. Ezell, Jr., a 39-year-old resident of Crawfordville, Florida, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison followed by a 10-year supervised release. She previously pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners are committed to eradicating drug traffickers from our communities, and my office will continue to back up excellent investigations like this one with successful prosecutions to send these peddlers of poisonous drugs to federal prison. The residents of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe streets and drug-free communities, and that is exactly what we will deliver.”
Court records show that Ezell sold narcotics from her home in Crawfordville. In July 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at her residence where they found more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, 18 firearms, and over $7,000 in cash. Ezell had previously been convicted federally in the Northern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
A statement released noted: “This sentence underscores the strong partnership between the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Agencies, and Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Methamphetamine and the unlawful possession of firearms while trafficking drugs harm individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. We remain committed to protecting our community and fostering a safer future for everyone.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno commented: “This conviction sends a clear message: those who choose to traffic dangerous drugs while possessing illegal firearms will be held fully accountable. The combination of methamphetamine distribution and an arsenal of more than a dozen firearms posed a serious threat to the safety of the community. Thanks to the thorough work of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, HSI, and the Northern District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office, we have removed both a criminal element and a dangerous narcotics and weapons from our streets.”
The case resulted from an investigation led by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), which uses Department of Justice resources nationwide against illegal immigration activities as well as efforts targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General; more information can be found on their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
