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Convicted Trafficker Faces Life Sentence for Fentanyl-Related Deaths
A federal jury in Tampa has convicted Bobby Peterson, a 41-year-old St. Petersburg resident, of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and distribution of fentanyl.
The verdict was announced by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, who stated that Peterson faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2024.
Peterson was arrested on February 18, 2022, and has been detained ever since. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Peterson was a key supplier of fentanyl and other controlled substances in Pinellas County.
On May 12, 2020, Peterson distributed fentanyl to Jacqueline Schnieder, who then sold some of the substance to a friend, M.G. Just hours later, M.G. died from fentanyl toxicity. On the same day, Peterson communicated with another individual, L.O., about the sale of fentanyl, and hours later, L.O. also died from fentanyl toxicity.
When Peterson was informed of M.G.’s death, he showed no remorse, instead responding, “they know what they’re doing.” Despite this, Peterson continued to sell fentanyl. On February 5, 2021, Peterson sold fentanyl to an undercover detective.
Jacqueline Schnieder, who previously pleaded guilty for her role in the case, is pending sentencing. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas Park Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.
The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia is prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|
- Source: Official Source ↗
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