Robert Cedrick Baker III, Heroin and Gun Charges, Gainesville FL, 2023

Former National Football League (NFL) star Robert Cedrick Baker III, 37, of Gainesville, Florida, has been sentenced to serve 75 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Baker’s sentence was imposed by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Court Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia. The former NFL player had previously admitted guilt on October 1, 2013, after being stopped by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic violation on Georgia Highway 401. A consensual search of his vehicle revealed 59.5 grams of heroin and a Smith & Wesson, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

In his plea agreement, Baker confessed to possessing the heroin for distribution and carrying the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. “Mr. Baker made a terrible mistake when he chose to traffic illegal drugs, and particularly when he brought a gun along to help him do so,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “He will have a long time to reflect on that mistake in federal prison.”

The investigation into Baker’s crime was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is responsible for the prosecution.

For further information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer at the United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.