Tampa, Florida - Joshua Christian Cantrell (24, Dade City) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His co-conspirator, Tracy Lee Williams, a/k/a Tracy Lee Spann, (38, Tampa), previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. She faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.
According to the plea agreements, on three separate occasions, in April and May 2017, Williams sold methamphetamine to an undercover detective in Brandon. During the first transaction, Williams sold the undercover detective approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. On the second occasion, she sold the detective approximately two ounces of methamphetamine. Cantrell drove Williams to conduct the third sale which involved approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine. They were both subsequently arrested. Law enforcement found a loaded pistol in Cantrell’s waistband and a search of his vehicle revealed another pistol, additional weapons, ammunition, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
