TALLAHASSEE, FL – Ramon Velazquez Rodas, 46, is looking at a lifetime behind bars after pleading guilty today to federal charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The bust, a product of a multi-agency investigation, pulled the Tallahassee man’s criminal enterprise into the harsh light of federal prosecution.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin didn’t mince words, stating, “This case demonstrates the value of close collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement officers to target, investigate, and arrest the criminals flooding our streets with deadly drugs. My office remains committed to backing up the hard work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to keep our communities safe.” It’s a familiar refrain, but the sheer volume of poison hitting the streets demands a forceful response.
The August 2022 raid on a Tallahassee residence uncovered a grim snapshot of Rodas’ operation. Law enforcement, acting on intelligence gathered during an ongoing drug investigation, executed a search warrant and found methamphetamine and fentanyl stashed in a bedroom shared by Rodas and another individual. Alongside the deadly narcotics, officers recovered a stolen handgun and a hefty $2,900 in cash – clear indicators of a distribution network in full swing. The scene painted a clear picture: Rodas wasn’t a user, he was a dealer.
But this isn’t Rodas’ first dance with the law. His rap sheet is lengthy and damning, showcasing a pattern of criminal behavior. Previous convictions include Burglary of a Dwelling, Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Dealing in Stolen Property, and, predictably, Possession of Controlled Substances. For Rodas, this isn’t a slip-up, it’s a lifestyle. And now, that lifestyle could cost him the rest of his life.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is handling the prosecution, ensuring Rodas faces the full weight of the law. Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker. Expect a lengthy hearing.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative designed to dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation streamlines resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The feds are making it clear: they’re not just going after street-level dealers, they’re aiming to cripple the entire supply chain. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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