Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Larry Basford announces that on April 21, 2021, a Bay County jury found Richard Daniel Tipton guilty as charged of Trafficking in Amphetamines, Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
At trial, the State presented evidence that Investigator Gage Cowart with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the defendant after witnessing the defendant riding a bicycle at night without any lights or reflectors, and failing to yield to the pedestrian signals while crossing Thomas Drive. The defendant failed to stop for the officer and instead rode his bike into a park where he was seen throwing items towards the nearby pond. After the defendant was secured, law enforcement scanned the area and found two baggies that contained methamphetamine and one baggie that contained heroin. The methamphetamine weighed approximately 30 grams, and the heroin weighed approximately 5 grams. The State is seeking to have the defendant sentenced as a Habitual Felony Offender because of his prior criminal record. Judge Ana Garcia will sentence Tipton at a later date.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Nicole Reed and Barbara F. Beasley.
If you need additional information, contact State Attorney Larry Basford.