Jimmy Randell Chason, 70, of Cairo, Georgia, pleaded guilty on July 14 to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in federal court in Tallahassee. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “Our HIDTA partnerships continue to deliver results in our ongoing whole-of-government efforts to combat drug trafficking operations, and this successful prosecution will pay dividends in our fight to stop the devastation that meth has wrought on our communities.”
According to court documents, investigators with the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Chason as a source supplying significant quantities of methamphetamine into the Tallahassee area. Law enforcement conducted an undercover operation during which they purchased multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from Chason. He was apprehended while transporting drugs and was found with one pound of methamphetamine.
Chason faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on all four counts. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26 at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative involving the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida covers 23 counties including Tallahassee and operates from facilities in U.S. courthouses located in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville; it advances community safety by upholding rule of law across northern Florida through collaboration with various law enforcement agencies such as Project Safe Childhood and defends national security while protecting civil rights, according to the official website.