Scott Oranje, 52, of Mary Esther, Florida, pleaded guilty on Mar. 20 to charges including possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address the impact of fentanyl and related crimes in local communities. Fentanyl has been identified as a significant threat due to its potency and role in overdose deaths.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Fentanyl has had an absolutely devastating impact on our communities for several years, which is why President Donald J. Trump recently designated the exceptionally deadly drug a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Identifying, targeting, and incapacitating the peddlers of this poison on our streets remains a top priority for my office. We will continue to deliver successful prosecutions like this one to fulfill the promise made by President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi when they launched Operation Take Back America to devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward dismantling the drug trafficking operations that have plagued our communities for far too long.”
According to court documents, law enforcement intercepted a package addressed to Oranje’s residence on November 10, 2025. The package contained over 300 grams of fentanyl. After conducting a controlled delivery at his condominium, officers executed a search warrant when Oranje did not answer the door. Oranje attempted to flee through the back patio with the fentanyl but was apprehended by law enforcement. A search revealed narcotics paraphernalia, owe sheets, digital scales, and multiple firearms inside his residence. Records show that Oranje had previously been convicted of First-Degree Residential Robbery in California in July 2018.
Oranje faces consecutive minimum mandatory sentences totaling ten years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts. He may also be subject to supervised release after serving his sentence; violations could result in additional incarceration.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 29 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
