Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To Life In Prison For Causing Fatal Overdose

Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Bobby Peterson (41, St. Petersburg) to concurrent terms of life in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and 30 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl. A federal jury found Peterson guilty on April 30, 2024.

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 an individual, 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." Peterson continued to sell fentanyl after he became aware that M.G. had died from the fentanyl he distributed. On February 5, 2021, Peterson sold fentanyl to an undercover detective.

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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.