JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Robert E. O’Neill, United States Attorney’s (USAO) for the Middle District of Florida, announces that U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Frank (36, Hastings, Florida) to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Higginbotham to serve 8 years of supervised release after his release from prison. A jury found Higginbotham guilty of the offenses on Feb. 21, 2013.
According to court documents, Higginbotham manufactured and sold methamphetamine at various locations in St. Johns County. During the conspiracy, methamphetamine users gave Higginbotham boxes of medication containing pseudoephedrine in exchange for methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine, which is an ingredient in many cold and allergy medications, is the primary ingredient needed to manufacture methamphetamine. On Feb. 13, 2012, Higginbotham sold methamphetamine to an undercover DEA agent. Higginbotham had previously served three years in state prison for trafficking in methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Trouville commends the prosecution efforts of the USAO for the Middle District of Florida.
