On Feb. 4, 14 Florida residents pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine in Central Florida. The pleas were announced in a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Orlando.
According to the release, the defendants conspired to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine to various parties in Volusia County and Flagler County. Many of the defendants are members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, which authorities identified as an outlaw gang. One defendant is a member of the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club, which is associated with the Pagan’s.
Twelve of the defendants, including the sergeant-at-arms for the Pagan’s Daytona Beach chapter and a member of the Pagan’s Mother chapter, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants, who range in age from 28 to 51, are residents of Ormand Beach, Daytona Beach, Oak Hill and New Smyrna Beach. Two other defendants, ages 38 and 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. They are also residents of Daytona Beach.
Defendants charged with drug distribution and related offenses could face harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, expensive fines and a permanent criminal record. However, by contacting a drug charges law firm, a defendant could fight accusations. Legal counsel could scrutinize the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s version of events. In some circumstances, these tactics may cause the charges to be dismissed. In others, they could be used as leverage to negotiate a plea bargain that mitigates the most serious charges.