Tampa, FL – In a major blow to the state’s illicit narcotics trade, the Department of Justice announced the unsealing of an indictment charging seven individuals, including Florida kingpin Clarence Ford Jr., with drug trafficking offenses.
According to court filings, Ford Jr. (46, Webster) served as the main source of supply for methamphetamine in the Webster area, with his organization stretching into multiple counties. The indictment alleges that Ford Jr. supplied drugs to co-conspirators Willie Ford III, Matthew Stanley Simmons, Justin Demon Lowery, Antwan D. Williams, and Johnny Leanda Harris, who distributed over 2,970 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 129 grams of fentanyl.
The indictment charges Ford Jr. with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine, as well as four counts of distribution of 50 grams of methamphetamine. If convicted, Ford Jr. faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison.
The indictment also names Willie Ford III (35, Webster), who faces charges of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison.
The following individuals were charged with various counts of conspiracy and distribution:
- Justin Demon Lowery (41, Webster): conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a detectable amount of fentanyl, and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a detectable amount of fentanyl (minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison)
- Matthew Stanley Simmons, III (25, New Port Richey): conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (minimum mandatory sentences of 10 years to life, 5 years to 40 years, and 5 years to 40 years in federal prison)
- Antwan D. Williams (44, Webster): conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (20 years in federal prison)
- William Cody Ferguson (30, Tampa): conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl (2 counts), and felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition (minimum mandatory sentences of 5 years to 40 years, 5 years to 40 years, and 5 years to 15 years in federal prison)
- Johnny Leanda Harris (56, Webster): conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (minimum mandatory sentences of 10 years to life and 5 years to 40 years in federal prison)
Theron Mathews (36, New Port Richey) was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison.
On May 14, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested the defendants after executing search warrants at various locations, including a residence in New Port Richey where agents seized fentanyl, scales, blenders, and a firearm.
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
The federal indictment and criminal complaint are available on the Department of Justice’s website.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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