Ocala, Florida - U.S. District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges today sentenced Bryant Dewayne Simmons (30, Lake County) to 10 years in federal prison for the attempted possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In a separate proceeding, Simmons previously forfeited approximately $150,000, two trucks, and a handgun that were involved in the crime. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 16, 2014. His co-defendant, William Foy Robinson, has also entered a guilty plea and is awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents, Simmons unwittingly met with an undercover federal agent in July 2014 to arrange a drug transaction. Simmons believed that the agent was a drug supplier and had asked to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine from him. Simmons promised to buy a total of 8 kilograms of cocaine for $33,000 each.
On July 17, 2014, Simmons and Robinson met the undercover agent in a parking lot in Lake County to complete the purchase. While Robinson served as a lookout, the agent showed Simmons five kilograms of cocaine and promised to deliver an additional three kilograms on credit. After Simmons retrieved approximately $150,000 in cash that he had concealed inside of two trucks, agents placed both men under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
