Rayshawn Smith, a 31-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, has been charged with several federal offenses related to drug distribution and firearms, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe on April 2.
The case involves serious allegations that highlight the dangers of illegal drug activity, particularly when it affects vulnerable individuals such as children.
According to the criminal complaint, between May 13, 2025, and January 14, 2026, Smith sold various drugs—including methamphetamine and fentanyl—to a confidential informant. On November 13, 2025, while under Smith’s sole care and custody, a one-year-old child ingested fentanyl and suffered an overdose that required life-saving medical intervention at the hospital.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence on January 14, 2026. During the search they recovered drugs, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at another location in his vehicle where additional drugs and packaging materials were found during a subsequent search.
Smith faces charges including distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; drug distribution; and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts he could face up to life in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Yara Dodin will prosecute.
