Prior Felon Sentenced to 128 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Offenses

TALLAHASSEEE, FLORIDA - Durrell Marquis Lee, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 128 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to multiple counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and for violation of his federal supervised release for a 2016 federal firearms conviction. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

"Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district," said U.S. Attorney Coody. "With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens' health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant's continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses."

Court documents reflect that Lee, despite being released from federal prison in July 2021, along with others was actively receiving and distributing pound quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation revealed that over the course of several weeks during May 2023, Lee sold smaller quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in three targeted drug operations of Lee and others associated with him. The investigation led to a May 25, 2023, law enforcement operation during which FHP Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lee, the sole occupant, who was thought to be in possession of additional illegal narcotics. After initially stopping for the Trooper, Lee fled from Troopers who attempted to give chase. Shortly thereafter and several miles away, officers located Lee's abandoned vehicle; inside investigators discovered several ounces of cocaine, "crack" cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, Alpha-PVP, drug paraphernalia, and almost $3,000 in U.S. currency. Lee was located and arrested later that evening in Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee during which arrest officers were confronted by a female who fired upon officers, who returned fire. No connection between Lee and the female could be determined.

"Illegal drug activity is dangerous and has no place in our community," said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell. "We are pleased to see justice served with this sentencing and appreciate the collaborative work by everyone involved in this case. We will continue to conduct thorough investigations into those who seek to endanger our community with such harmful and addictive substances."

Lee's prison sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release.

"Highly addictive and destructive, methamphetamine poses a serious danger to the safety and health of our Florida communities," said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. "We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute this deadly poison in our communities accountable for their actions."

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Leon County Sheriff's Office. The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html