Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an eight-count superseding indictment charging Sherman Michael Puckett (32, Clearwater) with one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, three counts of possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them, one count of distributing a controlled substance that caused death to its user, one count of distributing a controlled substance that caused serious bodily injury to its user, one count of using a property for the purpose of distributing controlled substances, and one count of obstructing justice. If convicted on all counts, Puckett faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The superseding indictment also notifies Puckett that the United States intends to forfeit any assets that are traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to the superseding indictment, from at least July 23, 2018, through September 17, 2019, Puckett conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, and methamphetamine. On July 23, 2018, law enforcement officers found Puckett in possession of fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and hydromorphone under circumstances that indicated he had intended to distribute these controlled substances to others. On September 6, 2018, law enforcement officers found Puckett in possession of fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine under circumstances that indicated he intended to distribute these controlled substances to others. In September 2018, Puckett distributed a substance that contained heroin, as well as fentanyl or a fentanyl analogues to T.W., who suffered serious bodily injury when she used the substance. From December 5 to December 8, 2018, Puckett maintained a hotel room for the purpose of distributing controlled substances to others. On December 7, 2018, Puckett distributed methamphetamine to S.C., who died from using the drug. Puckett then obstructed justice by disposing of evidence related to S.C.’s death, including her body. On September 17, 2019, law enforcement officers arrested Puckett and found him to be in possession of fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine under circumstances that indicated he intended to distribute these controlled substances to others.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Gordon.
