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Attorneys general

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Matthew Lee Keith, 41, of Panama City, Florida, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Keith's guilty plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
  • The defendant was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and other items indicative of drug distribution.
  • Keith is a convicted felon, with a history of felony offenses, including Tampering with a Witness, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Trafficking Methamphetamine.
  • The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
  • Keith faces up to 40 years' imprisonment for the drug trafficking crime and up to 15 years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
  • Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a consecutive five-year term with a maximum of life imprisonment.
  • The case is scheduled for sentencing on December 3, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
  • The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.

Statistics:

  • The case involved the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and alprazolam.
  • Keith is a convicted felon with a history of 7 prior felony offenses.
  • The prosecutor, Eric K. Mountin, is an Assistant United States Attorney based in the Northern District of Florida.
  • The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.
  • Keith faces up to 45 years' imprisonment if convicted of all charges.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida (via U.S. Department of Justice)
  • Bay County Sheriff's Office
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

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