Jury Convicts Pinellas Trafficker Of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In Death

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Bobby Peterson (41, St. Petersburg) guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and distribution of fentanyl. Peterson faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2024.

Peterson was arrested on February 18, 2022, and detained.

According to testimony, evidence presented at trial, and court records Peterson was a supplier of fentanyl and other controlled substances in Pinellas County. On May 12, 2020, Peterson distributed fentanyl to Jacqueline Schnieder who in turn distributed some of the fentanyl to a friend, M.G. A few hours later, M.G. died of fentanyl toxicity. On the same day, Peterson communicated with another individual, L.O., about the sale of fentanyl. Hours later, L.O. also died of fentanyl toxicity.

When Peterson was told about M.G.'s death, he expressed no remorse and instead responded, "they know what they're doing." After Peterson became aware that M.G. had died from the fentanyl he distributed, Peterson continued to sell fentanyl. On February 5, 2021, Peterson sold fentanyl to an undercover detective.

Jacqueline Schnieder previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case and is pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas Park Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation's drug supply. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.