Sherman Michael Puckett, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Florida 2018

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, Sherman Michael Puckett, a 32-year-old Clearwater resident, has been indicted on eight counts of federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking and murder. The indictment, which was unsealed on Monday, alleges that Puckett conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, and methamphetamine from July 23, 2018, through September 17, 2019.

According to the indictment, law enforcement officers found Puckett in possession of various controlled substances, including fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and hydromorphone, on multiple occasions. On July 23, 2018, officers discovered Puckett's stash, which included fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and hydromorphone, under circumstances that indicated he had intended to distribute these substances to others. Similarly, on September 6, 2018, officers found Puckett in possession of fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, which suggested that he intended to distribute these substances to others.

The indictment also alleges that Puckett distributed a substance containing heroin, as well as fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue, to T.W., who suffered serious bodily injury after using the substance. Furthermore, on December 7, 2018, Puckett distributed methamphetamine to S.C., who later died from using the drug. In a chilling twist, Puckett then allegedly disposed of evidence related to S.C.'s death, including her body.

Puckett faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison if convicted on all counts. The superseding indictment also notifies Puckett that the United States intends to forfeit any assets that are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. If convicted, Puckett could be looking at a life sentence behind bars.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. Puckett is currently being held without bail and is expected to appear in court for a trial in the coming weeks.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Gordon will be prosecuting the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/drug-dealer-indicted-causing-overdose-and-death-then-disposing-body