U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Joseph Michael Schneider, a 58-year-old resident of Cocoa, Florida, to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. Schneider entered a guilty plea on August 14, 2024.

The plea agreement reveals that law enforcement officials employed a confidential source and an undercover agent to carry out three controlled purchases from Schneider, each involving approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine at his residence. A search warrant executed at this location led to the discovery of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, over 100 grams of cocaine, and a small quantity of a fentanyl analog. In total, Schneider was held accountable for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 7 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman prosecuted the case.