CONVICTED FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG AND FIREARM OFFENSES

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Ramon Velazquez Rodas, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: "This case demonstrates the value of close collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement officers to target, investigate, and arrest the criminals flooding our streets with deadly drugs. My office remains committed to backing up the hard work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to keep our communities safe."

Court documents reflect that in August 2022, as part of an ongoing drug investigation targeting multiple individuals, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence where Velazquez Rodas was found in Tallahassee, Florida. In a bedroom where Velazquez Rodas and another occupant were found, officers located methamphetamine and fentanyl, a stolen handgun, $2,900, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Velazquez Rodas is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of numerous felony offenses, including Burglary of a Dwelling, Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Possession of Controlled Substances.

Velazquez Rodas faces up to life imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Mark Walker.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 https://http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.