Wewahitchka Man Found Guilty of Three Counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine

Pensacola, Florida -Ronnie Lee Small, Jr., 48, of Wewahitchka, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The guilty verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: "Meth has devastated entire communities in the Northern District of Florida, leaving a trail of addiction, death, and despair in its wake. This defendant enriched himself by peddling this deadly poison, but his drug dealing days are over thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners and the aggressive prosecution by my office. We have a lot more work to do, but I am committed to delivering the safe, drug-free streets that our citizens deserve with more successful prosecutions like this one."

Evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant sold methamphetamine to a confidential source working with the Gulf County Sheriff's Office on three separate occasions with approximate weights of one ounce, one ounce, and two ounces.

"This case began with the Gulf County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit working alongside the Northstar Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, and it reflects the power of partnership," said Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. "I want to thank our state and federal partners for their outstanding support in getting this drug dealer off our streets and protecting our community."

The defendant faces 10 years to life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $20,000,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Gulf County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Spaven and James A. McCain prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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.

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 FloridaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.