St. Petersburg Man Charged in Child’s Fentanyl Overdose and Multiple Drug Offenses

Tampa, Florida - Rayshawn Smith (31, St. Petersburg) has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Smith faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the complaint, Smith between May 13, 2025, and January 14, 2026, Smith sold various kinds of drugs - including methamphetamine and fentanyl - to a confidential informant. On November 13, 2025, while in the sole care and custody of Smith, a one-year-old child ingested and overdosed on fentanyl, resulting in the need for life-saving measures at the hospital.

On January 14, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith's residence where they recovered drugs, guns, and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at a different location in his vehicle. When law enforcement searched Smith's car, they found additional drugs and drug packaging materials.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yara Dodin.