Related Federal Cases
- Rochester Crack & Heroin Kingpin Gets 10 Years · New York
- Parkland Drug Kingpin Sentenced to 32 Months for Counterfeit Xanax and Steroids · Florida
- Mortgage Fraud Kingpin Rabuffo Sentenced to 27 Years · North Carolina
- Drug Kingpin Alvaro López Tardón Sentenced to 150 Years for Narcotics & Money Laundering · Florida
- “Diego Rastrojo” Cocaine Kingpin Admits Guilt · Florida
Meth Kingpin Sentenced to 15+ Years
Jacksonville, FL – In a major blow to the St. Johns County methamphetamine trade, 36-year-old Frank Higginbotham was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution ring.
Higginbotham, a resident of Hastings, Florida, was found guilty by a jury on February 21, 2013, of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Higginbotham to serve 8 years of supervised release after his prison term.
According to court documents, Higginbotham was involved in manufacturing and selling methamphetamine at various locations in St. Johns County. During the conspiracy, methamphetamine users gave Higginbotham boxes of medication containing pseudoephedrine in exchange for methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient in many cold and allergy medications, is the primary ingredient needed to manufacture methamphetamine.
On February 13, 2012, Higginbotham sold methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent. The evidence against Higginbotham was significant, with prosecutors pointing out that he had previously served three years in state prison for trafficking in methamphetamine.
The investigation into Higginbotham’s activities was a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier prosecuted the case, bringing Higginbotham to justice for his crimes.
Higginbotham’s sentencing is a major victory for law enforcement in St. Johns County, where the methamphetamine trade has long been a major concern. With Higginbotham behind bars, the community can breathe a little easier, knowing that one of the county’s most notorious methamphetamine dealers is off the streets.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and expose the complexities of the methamphetamine trade in St. Johns County, one thing is clear: the war on methamphetamine will not be won overnight. But with sentences like Higginbotham’s, we are one step closer to a safer, healthier community for all.
RELATED: Meth Kingpin Sentenced to 10 Years
RELATED: Drug Kingpins Nabbed in Houston: Meth Cache Yields Over 13 Years for Two
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
ðŸâ€â€™ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
