Tampa Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, Derrick Hutchins, a 36-year-old Tampa resident and convicted felon, has been sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Hutchins had pleaded guilty to the charges on October 13, 2021. This guilty plea marked the end of a long and arduous process for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, who worked tirelessly to bring Hutchins to justice.

The case against Hutchins began on April 26, 2020, when he distributed fentanyl to an individual, resulting in a fatal overdose in the victim’s home. This was not the first time Hutchins had distributed fentanyl, as he had done so again on July 1, 2020, causing another fatal overdose.

Hutchins’ actions have had devastating consequences for the families of his victims. His decision to distribute fentanyl has left a trail of destruction in its wake, and his sentence serves as a reminder that those who engage in this type of activity will face severe consequences.

U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew handed down the sentence, bringing an end to the Hutchins case. The Miami Field Division of the DEA released a statement, saying, ‘Our country is currently in the midst of a crippling opioid epidemic, and every loss of life is devastating to our communities.’

Hutchins was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

**Mandatory Facts:**

**Defendant/Respondent Name:** Derrick Hutchins

**Criminal Charges:** Distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

**City and State:** Tampa, Florida

**Exact Date:** October 13, 2021 (sentencing), April 26, 2020 (crime date), July 1, 2020 (crime date)

**Sentence or Outcome:** 15 years and 8 months in federal prison

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