Ronnie Lee Seward, Methamphetamine Possession, Florida 2023

Tampa, Florida – A ruthless trafficker has been brought to justice after a lengthy investigation by law enforcement officials. Ronnie Lee Seward, a 41-year-old resident of Seffner, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on January 12, 2023, the Tampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at an apartment in South Tampa where Seward had just delivered methamphetamine to a co-defendant, Sean Barton. Seward was detained and ultimately arrested after law enforcement discovered over a half-kilogram of methamphetamine in Seward’s vehicle.

A closer look at Seward’s past reveals a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior. He had previously served three separate state prison sentences in Florida, including convictions for lewd and lascivious molestation, felony battery, armed trafficking in amphetamine, trafficking in amphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm, among others.

Barton, Seward’s co-defendant, has also been charged in connection with the methamphetamine distribution ring. He pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Barton faces up to 20 years in federal prison and is set to be sentenced on May 1, 2024.

The case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.

As Seward begins his 25-year sentence, the community can rest a little easier knowing that a notorious trafficker has been brought to justice. However, the fight against methamphetamine distribution is far from over, and law enforcement officials will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt these operations and keep our communities safe.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Ronnie Lee Seward
Criminal Charges: Possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
City and State: Tampa, Florida
Exact Date: January 12, 2023 (arrest date), September 20, 2023 (sentencing date)
Sentence or Outcome: 25 years in federal prison

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