Branford Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking Offense

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - Harvey Jennings Starling, 56, of Branford, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and hydrocodone and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and hydrocodone. 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, particularly the North Star Drug Task Force, 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 criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses."

Court documents reflect that Starling, and others, were suspected of methamphetamine trafficking. A search warrant executed at Starling's residence led to seizure of approximately one pound of high-purity methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, and a firearm. Subsequent review of an electronic device used by Starling revealed communications between Starling and other individuals related to the purchase and resale of marijuana, methamphetamine, and opioid pills.

"I'm extremely proud of our deputies working along with our partner agencies and I cannot say enough about how hard they worked to remove these destructive drugs and drug dealers from our county," said Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb.

Starling's prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

"The North Star Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force was proud to partner with the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office and other agencies involved in this complex investigation. The results show the dedication, and hard work put forth by the investigators and the U.S. Attorney's Office."

Starling, a registered sex offender based on a 2006 conviction for sexual battery, was also arrested on State charges related to seven counts of failure to register as a sex offender. Those charges remain pending in Lafayette County Circuit Court and may result in a consecutive sentence.

The case was investigated by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office, Perry Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the North Star Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron 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.