Quentes Durrelle Simpson, a 33-year-old resident of Melbourne, Florida, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug distribution and firearm offenses. U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger handed down the sentence after Simpson was found guilty by a jury on October 23, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Simpson was ordered to forfeit firearms and ammunition used in the crimes as well as $600 identified as proceeds from his drug activities.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the sentencing.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Palm Bay Police Department used a confidential source to make two controlled purchases of drugs from Simpson at his residence. These transactions involved more than 220 grams of pure methamphetamine and approximately 7 grams of fentanyl. A subsequent search warrant executed at Simpson’s home led to the seizure of over 700 grams of pure methamphetamine, more than 46 grams of fentanyl, over 40 grams of cocaine, drug processing materials, two loaded firearms, a loaded drum magazine, and more than $36,000 in cash.
At the time of these events, Simpson had prior felony convictions for offenses such as carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits previously convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: the DEA, Palm Bay Police Department, Melbourne Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman prosecuted the case; forfeiture proceedings were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among various levels of law enforcement and community organizations. The Department strengthened PSN’s strategy in May 2021 by emphasizing trust-building within communities, supporting violence prevention efforts led by local organizations, focusing on strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
