Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Angela Michelle Tanner, a 55-year-old resident of Tavares, Florida, has been sentenced to 76 months in federal prison for her role in drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, Tanner coordinated the shipment of fentanyl and large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona to individuals in Florida. These connections were established through an inmate within the Florida Department of Corrections. Authorities say she utilized money exchange applications to facilitate and promote drug transactions. Tanner’s arrest took place in 2023 on outstanding warrants from Citrus County, Florida.
John P. Heekin commented on the case: “The promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who are flooding our streets with deadly, addictive drugs is being fulfilled thanks to the excellent collaborative efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, like we saw in this case. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
During the investigation into this operation, Chason Johnson, age 32 and a resident of Tallahassee, was also charged and sentenced separately. Johnson received a sentence of 156 months in federal prison for receiving methamphetamine shipments from Tanner and possessing a firearm after his release from state custody.
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division stated: “This case is a great example of law enforcement working together—seven agencies in total—to bring a transnational drug trafficker to justice,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Methamphetamine can tear apart families and communities, and we won’t stop until these criminals are brought to justice.”
Bladismir Rojo, Acting Inspector In Charge with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division added: “The successful outcome of this investigation is a reflection of the hard work and dedicated service demonstrated by the entire law enforcement community,” said Bladismir Rojo, Acting Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to make every effort to remove illicit drugs and dangerous contraband from our communities.”
The investigation involved cooperation between several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Department of Corrections, United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Mesa Police Department based in Arizona.
Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative led by the Department of Justice that aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while addressing illegal immigration issues across the country.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 such offices nationwide serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General’s office. More information about court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or via http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
