Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced the sentencing of the last of four co-defendants in a large-scale marijuana distribution conspiracy in Tallahassee, Florida. Tyquan Watson and his half-brother Cleveland Blackshear, both from Tallahassee, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. Dezaneil Cosby received a five-year sentence, while Shambresha Turner was given time served and supervised release.
Heekin expressed appreciation for the work of state and federal law enforcement in bringing these individuals to justice. "These offenses are not victimless crimes; the victims are the members of our community who experience the addiction and violence that too often follows from drug traffickers flooding our streets with this poison," he said.
Trial evidence showed that Watson was involved in purchasing large quantities of marijuana weekly from California for resale in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Between September 2023 and January 2024, Watson acquired at least 3,169 pounds of marijuana, generating over $2.4 million.
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Miami Field Division, emphasized the risks associated with marijuana despite its growing presence in dispensaries and smoke shops. "I assure you, DEA considers it a big deal," she stated.
The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies including the DEA and FDLE. It began when Turner was stopped at Panama City airport with 40 pounds of marijuana. Further operations led to controlled purchases involving Blackshear and surveillance on Cosby's residence where significant quantities of marijuana were seized.
FDLE's Keith Wilmer highlighted the dedication involved: "Our special agents spent countless hours on covert operations to take down this criminal network."
Watson and Cosby were convicted by a jury trial earlier this year while Blackshear and Turner pled guilty previously. As part of his sentencing, Watson must also forfeit over $2 million gained through drug activities.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell remarked on the broader implications: "This case is a clear example of how drug trafficking is often linked to greater dangers including illegal firearms and violent crime."
The sentences result from joint efforts by several law enforcement agencies under Operation Take Back America, aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case as part of their ongoing commitment to public safety through coordinated legal action against organized crime.
