Ocala, Florida – Phillip Washington III, also known as “Lil Phil,” has been arrested and indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced that Washington, 32, of Belleview, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could receive up to life in federal prison if convicted. He is currently being held while his case proceeds.
According to the indictment, Washington was found on May 13, 2024, in possession of at least 400 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, both with the intent to distribute.
“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,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute.
