William Blas Hernandez, 28, from Gainesville, Florida, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to several charges, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “This is another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, which was launched by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice to remove violent, drug trafficking felons like this defendant from our communities. The residents of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what my office is committed to delivering by aggressively prosecuting these cases and seeking maximum punishments.”
According to court documents, Hernandez was stopped by law enforcement for speeding. His vehicle also matched the description given by a 911 caller who had reported other criminal activity. During the stop, officers found probable cause to search his vehicle and discovered a backpack containing a loaded pistol, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in different forms, and items used for drug distribution. Hernandez had recently been released from prison after serving time for eight previous felony convictions.
DEA Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar commented: “Methamphetamine is capable of destroying families and ripping through communities. We will not stop until the flow of this poison has been removed from our streets.”
Gainesville Police Chief Moya added: “We will not allow guns and drugs to corrupt our community. We will work with our federal partners to ensure that those who choose to engage in these activities are held accountable.”
After serving his prison sentence, Hernandez will be subject to 10 years of supervised release. If he violates any conditions during this period, he could face additional prison time.
The investigation was carried out jointly by the Gainesville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain prosecuted the case.
Operation Take Back America is an initiative that uses resources from the Department of Justice nationwide with goals such as stopping illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime as well as human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 principal litigating offices across the country under the direction of the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
