David Blackman III, a 39-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “In launching Operation Take Back America, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi made a promise to devote the full resources of the Justice Department toward stopping the flood of deadly drugs plaguing our streets, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward fulfilling that promise. Along with our dedicated state and federal law enforcement partners, my office stands ready to continue delivering on that promise until our streets are safe and our communities are drug-free.”
Court records show that Blackman sold narcotics from his home in Pensacola. In December 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence where they found over $8,500 in cash and more than 850 grams of methamphetamine. Other drugs found included fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base.
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division, commented: “Removing this polydrug distributor from the streets is another step toward making our communities safer. This joint investigation was the result of great work between our agents and law enforcement partners.”
The case resulted from a collaborative investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on using all available resources to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about the office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
