Marcel Kamill Mickles, a 49-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple drug distribution and weapons charges. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to prosecutors, Mickles admitted guilt to two counts of distributing cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Thanks to the excellent work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, in close collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, this serial felon has been stopped before he can continue terrorizing our communities and flooding our streets with more deadly drugs. This is exactly the kind of case Operation Take Back America was launched for, as President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi committed the full might of the Department of Justice toward eliminating the threats to our communities from violent, drug-peddling criminals like this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute violent drug traffickers until our residents get the safe, drug-free communities they deserve.”
Court records show that Mickles distributed cocaine during May and June 2025. In June 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home in Pensacola. Officers found five loaded firearms, a bulletproof vest, several bags containing controlled substances including cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as items associated with drug distribution. As someone previously convicted of multiple felonies, Mickles was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Because of his prior convictions, Mickles faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted on all counts and could receive up to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.
Mickles’ sentencing is scheduled for May 19, 2026 at 9:00am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national effort by the Department of Justice aiming to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 such offices nationwide that represent federal interests under direction from the Attorney General. More information about their activities can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
