Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged two individuals, Ron Alexis Wilson and Johnon Christopher Hughes, with trafficking fentanyl and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl in North Florida. The charges follow a year-long investigation led by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, which identified the defendants as primary suppliers of fentanyl to the area.
“Biden’s Border Crisis has had lasting impacts across the country, and the fentanyl that came across the border during his administration is still in our communities. In this case, authorities seized 12,500 fentanyl pills and more than three pounds of fentanyl powder,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, these drug traffickers are behind bars, and our Statewide Prosecutors stand ready to make sure they cannot threaten Floridians’ lives again.”
Wilson was arrested in Arizona and transported to Florida for prosecution. Hughes was taken into custody at his home in Jacksonville.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the NorthStar Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Homeland Security.
Florida continues its efforts against the fentanyl crisis through various initiatives such as:
– Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network: This network aims to disrupt addiction cycles by providing comprehensive treatment and long-term recovery resources.
– State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program: The program supports law enforcement efforts against illegal fentanyl activities.
– Enhanced penalties for fentanyl trafficking: Florida enforces stricter penalties including mandatory minimum sentences for convicted traffickers.
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Johnna Lessard will oversee the case.
