Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Meth and Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

OCALA, Fla. - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Terrance Maurice Washington (41, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to six (6) counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and fentanyl) with the intent to distribute. Washington faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on the five counts involving methamphetamine. On the remaining fentanyl offense, Washington faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five (5) years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2024.

According to court documents, on multiple occasions between October 2023 and January 2024, Washington distributed methamphetamine and/or fentanyl to a confidential source who was cooperating with law enforcement. The drugs provided by Washington during the transactions ranged from gram quantities to upwards of a pound or more of methamphetamine. Washington bragged that the type of fentanyl he distributed was "dropping people." Once law enforcement arrested Washington, a search at his residence revealed another two pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST). It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line atSubmit a Tip | DEA.gov. Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA's interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com(link is external), www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com(link is external), www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.

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