PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – The streets of Santa Rosa County are a little less poisoned this week thanks to the sentencing of three men caught pushing deadly drugs. David Kennedy, 41; Michael McQueen, 51; and Roosevelt Jones, 52, all of Milton, Florida, are headed to federal prison after years of allegedly flooding the county with cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The sentences were handed down by the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, John P. Heekin.
“For years, this drug trafficking ring plagued Santa Rosa County,” Heekin stated bluntly. “Federal law enforcement, working with our state and local partners, dismantled it. And let me be clear: these aren’t first-time offenders. They’re repeat drug traffickers.” Heekin doubled down, referencing the Trump/Bondi “Take Back America” initiative, vowing continued aggressive prosecution of those “who seek to victimize our citizens by flooding our streets with poisonous drugs.”
The bust wasn’t a quick grab. Court documents detail a protracted investigation involving covert undercover buys, relentless surveillance, and judicially authorized wiretaps. These tactics led to multiple raids in Milton, netting not only the drugs themselves – cocaine, pure methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana – but also firearms and a significant amount of illicit cash. The operation was a multi-agency effort, pulling in resources from the DEA, ATF, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and several other law enforcement entities.
The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes. David Kennedy received the longest sentence: 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Michael McQueen will spend 11½ years behind bars, with another 6 years under supervision. Roosevelt Jones received 6½ years in federal prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release. While these men may be off the streets, the damage they inflicted on the community will linger.
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Miami Field Division, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Partnerships are key to disrupting drug trafficking activity, and we have great partners,” she said. Sheriff Bob Johnson of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office echoed that sentiment, highlighting the instrumental role of the joint effort in removing dangerous drugs and holding the dealers accountable. “Our communities will be safer with these drug peddlers off the streets,” Johnson stated.
This case is part of the broader “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide push to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and protect communities from violent crime. The initiative streamlines resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted the case. For those seeking further information, including access to public court documents, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or the Department of Justice website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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