Rayshawn Smith, 31, Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Case

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, a St. Petersburg man has been charged with distributing a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Rayshawn Smith, a 31-year-old St. Petersburg resident, faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison if convicted on all counts. According to the complaint, Smith sold various kinds of drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, to a confidential informant between May 13, 2025, and January 14, 2026.

One of the most disturbing allegations in the complaint involves a one-year-old child who ingested and overdosed on fentanyl while in Smith’s sole care and custody on November 13, 2025. The child required life-saving measures at the hospital.

On January 14, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence, where they recovered drugs, guns, and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at a different location in his vehicle, and a search of his car yielded additional drugs and drug packaging materials.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yara Dodin.

Smith’s arrest and charges are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.

A full investigation is ongoing, and the community is urged to remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The case highlights the need for stricter laws and regulations to prevent the proliferation of fentanyl and other deadly substances.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts: Rayshawn Smith is the defendant/respondent. The exact criminal charges are distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The city and state are Tampa, Florida. The exact date is January 14, 2026. The sentence or outcome is pending, with a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. No dollar amounts are mentioned in the source.

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