Undercover Operation Results In 25 Year Federal Prison Sentence For Convicted Felon
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Hiawatha Laquinta Scott, III, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm and drug offenses.”
As part of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, an undercover officer made a series of controlled purchases of drugs and guns from Scott in early 2023. On February 8, 2023, the undercover officer purchased a small amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Scott. Scott also loaned the undercover officer a .22 caliber pistol. Later that same day, the undercover officer purchased more methamphetamine and a 12-gauge shotgun. On February 9, 2023, the undercover officer purchased four ounces of methamphetamine. On February 16, 2023, the undercover officer purchased two ounces of methamphetamine and a sawed-off shotgun. On February 23, 2023, the undercover officer purchased 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine. On April 20, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Scott’s house and officers recovered two ounces of methamphetamine and multiple digital scales.
“The Big Bend area is much safer with this violent offender behind bars,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “The sentence reflects the severity of suspect’s crimes, as well as the determination of the North Star Task Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Scott qualified for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal because he had three or more prior convictions for serious drug offenses and violent felonies, including a prior 20-year prison sentence for attempted first degree murder with a firearm. Scott had been released from prison in October 2021.
“A primary emphasis of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is the obtainment of sustained solutions to the various problems faced by Wakulla County, FL,” said Sheriff Jared Miller. “The collaborative investigative and prosecutorial efforts of my agency’s Narcotics Unit, the NSMDTF, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, followed by the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Scott, provides a sustained solution to the on-going threat Mr. Scott posed to the community as he refused to live a law-abiding existence following his release from prison in 2021.”
Scott’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Joseph A. Ravelo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
