David Kennedy, Michael McQueen, and Roosevelt Jones, all residents of Milton, Florida, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation in Santa Rosa County. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Working with our state and local partners, federal law enforcement was able to dismantle a significant drug trafficking ring that plagued Santa Rosa County for years,” stated United States Attorney Heekin. “We are pleased with this successful operation, in particular, because all three men are repeat drug trafficking offenders.”
The investigation involved undercover purchases of illegal drugs and surveillance activities which led to the execution of multiple search warrants in Milton. This resulted in the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, firearms, and illicit currency.
David Kennedy received a 15-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. Michael McQueen was sentenced to 11½ years with six years of supervised release. Roosevelt Jones received a 6½-year sentence followed by six years of supervised release.
“Partnerships are key to disrupting drug trafficking activity,” said Deanne L. Reuter from the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. Sheriff Bob Johnson also emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies.
The case was investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Pensacola Police Department; Gulf Breeze Police Department; and Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
This effort is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
