Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Cadale Lamar Carson, a 34-year-old resident of Mary Ester, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to the indictment, Carson is accused of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl. He also faces charges for possession with intent to distribute the same amount and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Carson appeared in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida, for his arraignment. His jury trial is set for March 16, 2026, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
If convicted on the first two counts related to fentanyl distribution, Carson could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life for each count. The firearms charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton will prosecute the case.
"An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial," according to the statement released by authorities.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF aims to combat criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational organizations, and human smuggling operations through interagency cooperation led by U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 principal litigating offices under direction from the Attorney General. Additional information about this office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
