TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Justin Michael Williams, 34, of Perry, Florida, has been sentenced to serve 13½ years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple offenses related to armed drug trafficking. When he was arrested, Williams was found in possession of several firearms, methamphetamine, marijuana, and assorted drug paraphernalia. The sentence was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Working together, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies have removed a serious and dangerous drug criminal from the streets of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Our agencies are committed to using our resources in partnership with local law enforcement to assist them however we can to enhance public safety.”
Williams was arrested by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in state court. During this encounter with Williams and his girlfriend, deputies observed methamphetamine and a firearm. After obtaining a search warrant, deputies located over two ounces of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia used for the sale of methamphetamine including baggies and scales, and four firearms, including a TEC-DC9 with two high capacity magazines.
“Our law enforcement partnerships play such a vital role in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Daryl McCrary. “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners is making our communities safer.”
“I am proud of the hard work and the thorough investigation conducted by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Lamb. “I am also proud of our partnerships we have with our Federal Partners. This combined effort has led to bringing this individual to justice. His days of peddling poison and possessing illegal firearms are over.”
Williams pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Williams had multiple prior convictions for weapons and drug charges. This sentencing followed a joint investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with laboratory assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
