Sureños “Sur 13” Gang Member Sentenced to 20 years for Drug Trafficking in Martin County

MIAMI - On May 8, 2025, documented gang member Daniel Thorr Gatlin, 40, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment followed by 5 years' supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, sitting in West Palm Beach.

On Jan. 3, 2024, outside of a convenience store in Stuart, Fla., Martin County Sheriff Deputies intercepted and arrested Gatlin after Gatlin attempted to sell one pound of methamphetamine to an individual Gatlin thought was a legitimate buyer. During the investigation, law enforcement confirmed that Gatlin offered to sell a variety of drugs while living at a sober home in Broward County. According to the investigation, Gatlin traveled to Martin County for the sole purpose of distributing controlled substances. Gatlin is a member of the Sureños, also known as Sur 13, a transnational criminal street gang affiliated with the Mexican Mafia. In a recorded conversation, Gatlin referenced his gang affiliation and credited his gang connections as the reason why he was trusted to receive more than three pounds of methamphetamine to distribute in South Florida.

On Feb. 19, 2025, Gatlin, a career offender, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of HSI, Miami Field Division, and Martin County Sheriff, John Budensiek, made the announcement.

HSI Fort Pierce and Martin County Sheriff's Office investigated this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Breezye Telfair prosecuted this case.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-14023.

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