Angela Michelle Tanner, a 55-year-old resident of Tavares, Florida, has been sentenced to 76 months in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, large quantities of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “The promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who are flooding our streets with deadly, addictive drugs is being fulfilled thanks to the excellent collaborative efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, like we saw in this case. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
According to court documents, Tanner arranged for shipments of fentanyl and multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Arizona into Florida. She coordinated these activities through contacts she made via an inmate in the Florida Department of Corrections and used digital money exchange applications as part of her operations. In 2023, authorities arrested Tanner on outstanding warrants from Citrus County.
Another individual involved in the case was Chason Johnson, 32, from Tallahassee. Johnson received packages containing methamphetamine from Tanner and possessed a firearm after his release from prison. He was separately sentenced to 156 months in federal prison.
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division said: “This case is a great example of law enforcement working together—seven agencies in total—to bring a transnational drug trafficker to justice,” adding that “Methamphetamine can tear apart families and communities, and we won’t stop until these criminals are brought to justice.”
Bladismir Rojo, Acting Inspector In Charge at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division commented: “The successful outcome of this investigation is a reflection of the hard work and dedicated service demonstrated by the entire law enforcement community. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to make every effort to remove illicit drugs and dangerous contraband from our communities.”
The investigation included participation by several agencies: Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Postal Inspection Service; Tallahassee Police Department; Florida Department of Corrections; United States Marshal Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Mesa Police Department (Arizona). Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), which brings together resources across the Department of Justice against illegal immigration networks and criminal organizations while aiming for safer communities through initiatives such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one among 94 offices representing federal interests under direction from the Attorney General nationwide. More information about public court records can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
