Life Without Parole for Woman Who Sold Fentanyl Used in Fatal Overdose

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Admin SA

(Left to Right: Prosecutor Frank Sullivan, the remnants of the dose of fatal fentanyl, Danielle Cooper at trial)

Danielle Cooper will spend the rest of her life in prison after being found guilty Tuesday of Death Caused by the Distribution of Fentanyl, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Cooper, 42, sold $100 worth of fentanyl at her residence to Regina Vasconcelos on Oct. 5, 2021. The victim was found dead in her home the next day, a used syringe by her side. The amount of fentanyl in her system was found to be 20-30 times higher than the fatal level.

Jurors deliberated for 23 minutes after Prosecutor Frank Sullivan’s closing argument before returning its verdict. In Florida, Death Caused by the Distribution of Fentanyl is a capital felony. Cooper was immediately sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility of parole. She was already serving a 30-year sentence after being found guilty in March 2023 of Trafficking in Fentanyl (more than 14 grams but less than 28 grams).

“This case is a textbook example of why fentanyl is so dangerous – it is a very deadly drug made in clandestine labs and neither the traffickers nor the people they sell it to have any idea how potent it is from batch to batch,” Sullivan said. “The potency of different samples within the same batch can even differ.

“This particular defendant bragged about how potent her drugs were as she continued to sell them knowing the potential dangers and consequences,” he continued. “Our law enforcement partners, like the Bay County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Investigations Division in this case, will continue to track down the source in overdose deaths and we will continue to prosecute them under Florida’s enhanced laws.”

The victim was found dead in her home Oct. 6, 2021, after she missed a dialysis appointment and the clinic contacted her sister, who had just returned to her out-of-state home after spending about a year here caring for the victim. She testified that her sister suffered health problems including the removal of her spleen and one kidney, COVID, open-heart surgery, and that her remaining kidney was failing.

The sister called the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for a welfare check and gave them permission to ender her sister’s home. They found her body inside.

Investigators developed evidence – including texts between the victim, the defendant and a witness – that the defendant agreed to sell her fentanyl Oct. 5, 2021. The witness said she drove the victim to Cooper’s residence and saw her obtain the “green” and “glassy” substance identified as fentanyl.

Investigators served a search warrant on Cooper’s residence Oct. 8, 2021, and saw her throw a bag of fentanyl from her truck. They found another baggie of fentanyl in her bra and she was subsequently charged with trafficking.

In November 2022, after a full investigation and toxicology results, Cooper was also charged with the victim’s death.

Dr. Jay Radtke, Medical Examiner for the 14^th Judicial Circuit, said while the victim suffered health problems that required prescription medications, the level of fentanyl in her system was so high that it would have killed her no matter what else was in her system.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office for their continued work on this case. For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Judge Upholds Life Sentence for Falcon in 1997 Murder

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Admin SA

For the second time in six years, Rebecca Lee Falcon’s request for a sentence modification in the murder of cab driver Richard Phillips in 1997 has been denied, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark Tuesday rejected Falcon’s request from her February sentencing review writing, “Based on review of the entirety of the record in the present case, this Court believes the sentence of Life imprisonment imposed at Defendant’s July 2020 resentencing remains the most appropriate sentence.”

“We hope that this order allows Mr. Phillips’ family to finally get the closure they deserve,” said Prosecutor Peter Overstreet.

Falcon was 15 when she shot Phillips in the back of the head on Nov. 19, 1997. The evidence showed she obtained a pistol from a co-defendant, test-fired it multiple times, and said she wanted to shoot someone in the back of the head.

Falcon and her co-defendant flagged down a cab driven by Phillips, with Falcon sitting in back. A short time later she shot the victim in the back of the head and fled. After the shooting she at first denied it, then laughed about it.

She was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison. Years later, the U.S. Supreme Court held that juveniles who are sentenced to life are entitled to present mitigating factors. At that 2020 resentencing Falcon again received life.

The law also entitles juveniles sentenced to life to seek a sentence review hearing after they have served 25 years, and that hearing for Falcon was held in February. Clark released his ruling Tuesday.

In such hearings the Court weighs, among other things, whether the offender demonstrates maturity and rehabilitation, remains at the same level of risk as at the original sentencing, and whether the defendant has shown sustained and sincere remorse.

Prosecutor Peter Overstreet during the February hearing.

Rebecca Falcon is escorted out of court after her February hearing.

At the two-day hearing, Overstreet cross-examined witnesses and argued that Falcon, now 44, did not meet the requirements set by law for a reduced sentence.

Overstreet argued, essentially, that the level of any remorse, maturity, education achievements, taking responsibility for her actions, or good behavior by Falcon was equal to the level she thought she had to “show” to get out of prison and was not genuine.

“Over the years she has sought to excuse her behavior, blaming the cab driver and others for her plight,” Overstreet said, noting that her participation in certain courses or actions often reflected whatever change had occurred in the law or in court, not at her own behest.

“While the Defendant has apologized to the victim’s family for killing him, she has not fully acknowledged why or how she committed this horrific murder,” Overstreet said. “Since her arrest nearly 30 years ago, the defendant has given various reasons and renditions on why and how she shot Mr. Phillips.

“The central question to be answered is: How do you rehabilitate a person who chooses to kill another?”

Judge Clark made similar findings in his order, writing that Falcon “continues to minimize her actions and refuses every opportunity ‘to state exactly what she had done.’ ”

“This Court cannot find that Defendant has shown sincere and sustained remorse for shooting and killing the victim,” he wrote. “Defendant initially denied her role in the crime. The day after the shooting, Defendant did not express any remorse and laughed about the murder. Instead, the record makes it clear that Defendant has refused to state exactly what she did and accept full responsibility for her action.”

He acknowledged Falcon is more mature now, as people naturally mature. But participating in programs does not equate to rehabilitation, he wrote.

Clark also noted the bulk of Falcon’s participation in programs occurred prior to specific hearing and resentencing dates and then tapered off.

“At best, Defendant has demonstrated that she understood her only opportunity for release required her to behave as a model inmate and to participate in programs while pursuing legal challenges to her life sentence and engaged in the behavior that would grant her favor with the Court,” Clark wrote. “As a result, the Court determines Defendant has not demonstrated rehabilitation.”

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

40-Year Sentence in Stabbing Death

Posted on October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 by Admin SA

A 47-year-old man Apopka man who broke into his victim’s home and stabbed him to death pled no contest to two charges Thursday and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Joseph Michael Lynch was adjudicated guilty of Second-Degree Murder and Burglary with Assault or Battery by Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark and sentenced to 40 years on each charge, to be served concurrently. The burglary and stabbing took place at the victim’s home on Ormond Avenue in Springfield on July 3, 2026.

“This was a senseless and violent attack, and for the family members of the victim we are glad that justice was quickly served,” said Prosecutor Peter Overstreet. “The family agreed with the plea and the 40-years in prison which essentially is a Life sentence for this defendant.”

Damage where victim’s door was forced open.

At sentencing the victim’s wife, who was home with the couple’s young daughter and who witnessed the killing, said the loss of her husband is a void that can never be filled.

“This loss has shattered this family completely; we have no sense of safety anymore, not even in our own home,” she told Juge Clark. “The quiet hours of the night are filled with painful memories and recurring trauma. I relive that night all day every day. Kenny didn’t die once, he dies every day 100 times a day for each of us.”

She no longer feels safe in her home, suffers from PTSD, and said the murder forever changed the lives of the families of all involved.

“I go to sleep and wake up without my husband, the person I was supposed to grow old with, have a life with which we had so many plans,” she said. “Our house is no longer a home, and we no longer live we just exist.”

Overstreet was prepared to call witnesses and present evidence proving Lynch went to the victim’s home late on the evening of July 3, 2026. Lynch and the victim, Kenny Ashbey, 33, had a disagreement days earlier over the title to a vehicle.

Armed with two knives, Lynch broke in the victim’s door and attacked him, stabbing him multiple times. The victim’s wife, young daughter and three other adults were in the home. The defendant took their cell phones before fleeing.

The defendant left on foot, telling several bystanders outside to call 911. When Springfield police arrived, witnesses told them the defendant was laying in the driveway a few houses down.

When officers approached Lynch, he said, “I did it,” as he was taken into custody.

Investigators recovered one knife inside the home near where the victim collapsed, and another outside.

Basford thanked the Springfield Police Department for its investigation that helped lead to a successful outcome. For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

JURY: Man Guilty of Attacking Truck with “Hunk” of Concrete

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who attacked an occupied vehicle with a concrete block while on the victim’s property was found guilty Wednesday of felony Criminal Mischief and sentenced to 36 months in prison.

State Attorney Larry Basford said Deontae Prince Shackelford, 27, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay following the one-day trial and verdict.

Prosecutor Jada Watkins called two witnesses – including the driver of the truck that was attacked – to prove her case.

The 64-year-old owner of the truck testified he owned the property and that the building on it was damaged by fire in February, 2025. He drove there Sept. 13, 2025, as he did about every two weeks, to check on the progress of repairs.

He testified he was parked there on the phone with his wife when he noticed the defendant walk up and start digging through the dumpster. He asked the defendant what he was doing and was ignored. He asked again and said the man appeared agitated.

The defendant began piling items from the dumpster on to the property and making a mess. The owner repositioned his vehicle near the dumpster, identified himself as the owner and again told the defendant to leave.

“He very quickly approached my truck and slammed my rearview mirror into the door and broke it with his hand,” the victim said. The defendant then ran and the victim called 911 and drove back around to the front of his property.

Prosecutor Watkins showing how defendant used concrete to break window

A minute or two later he saw the defendant re-approaching his truck. He rolled his window down a few inches and again asked the man to leave, telling him he had already called 911 and police were on the way. He also grabbed his phone and took a picture of the man.

“I had noticed he was hiding his right arm behind him and when I turned to grab my phone to take his picture, he was just about to smack my driver’s door glass,” he said. “He hit it as hard as he could with a hunk of concrete twice … and the third time it exploded in my face, it was like a bomb went off.”

The defendant again ran away but was captured a short time later.

The owner suffered cuts to his forehead and face from the glass, and his knee was cut by the concrete that ended up on his floorboard.

Basford thanked the Parker Police Department for its work on the case and quick apprehension of the defendant. For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Attempt to deliver drugs, phones to inmate lands woman in prison

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Admin SA

BLOUNTSTOWN – A woman who attempted to smuggle drugs, tobacco, and cell phones into the Calhoun Correctional Institution has been sentenced to 60 months in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Djuana Kay Whitfield, 55, of Lutz, pled no contest to Trafficking in Amphetamines (more than 14 grams), Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and three counts of Introduction of Contraband into a State Correctional Facility. Circuit Court Judge Brandon Young sentenced her to 60 months in prison Sept. 23. The first three years are minimum-mandatory.

Calhoun County Chief Prosecutor Josh White was prepared to call witnesses and present evidence proving the defendant was concealing 54 grams of methamphetamine, two cell phones, and tobacco as she awaited entry into the facility to visit an inmate.

“The DOC and Office of Inspector General’s proactive intervention operation did what was intended – it stopped a large amount of contraband from entering the facility and caught the person responsible,” White said. “Operations like this, which are ongoing, show the DOC is serious about stopping the flow of contraband and holding accountable those who attempt it. This case shows the potential outcome for anyone considering this kind of behavior.”

A DOC investigator with contraband from defendant’s car.

The evidence gathered in the investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections, Office of Inspector General, showed there was a planned contraband interdiction operation at CCI on May 17, 2026.

DOC investigators and two drug-detecting K-9s planned a free-air sniff of vehicles in the staff and visitor parking areas. K-9 Csili, handled by Capt. Justin McDowell, alerted to the odor of narcotics from a silver Volkswagen Jetta. The vehicle belonged to the defendant, who was at a nearby pavilion awaiting entry into the facility.

A search of the vehicle revealed 2 grams of methamphetamine and a “cylindrical package” wrapped in black electrical tape in a suitcase in the rear of the vehicle.

DOC Det. Louis Cordova said the defendant then admitted she was concealing two more cylindrical packages “on her person.” Inside those packages, investigators found the 54 grams of methamphetamine, cell phones, and tobacco.

Basford thanked the DOC for being proactive in intercepting the contraband and its investigation that led to a successful prosecution. For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Porter Sentenced to 30 Years for Shooting, Killing Friend During Argument

Posted on October 6, 2026October 6, 2026 by Admin SA

CHIPLEY – Kyle Michael Porter was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday for killing a friend with a shot to the head as they argued following an unsuccessful fishing trip in 2024.

Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Patterson presided over the Sept. 23 trial that found the defendant guilty of Manslaughter with a Firearm and ordered the sentence. Chief Washington County Prosecutor Megan presented the case that led to the verdict after 35 minutes of deliberation.

Testimony and evidence at trial proved the defendant, victim Randy Joseph Lynn, and a third man went fishing at Joiner Lake off Teardrop Trail on April 27, 2024. The three men worked together.

There was arguing between the defendant and the victim during the trip, but when they returned to the dock, the victim was too intoxicated to get out of the boat on his own.

The victim was helped out of the boat and resumed his argument with the defendant.

A witness said the victim was unarmed during the argument when the defendant pulled his pistol and fired one shot into his head. The victim, whose blood-alcohol level was .257 – more than three times the legal driving limit – fell backward into the water and died.

The defendant claimed self-defense, but the witness, along with the victim’s level of intoxication proved he was unarmed and not a threat.

“This case is about 15 seconds on a dock and a decision that cannot be taken back,” Ford said at trial. “Randy Lynn did not have a weapon, he did not reach for Kyle’s gun, he did not touch him. Then Kyle introduced a loaded gun into the argument, and approximately 15 seconds passed before Kyle pulled the trigger.”

Basford thanked the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for its thorough investigation that helped lead to a successful outcome.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Armed Robber Sentenced to 20 years

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Admin SA

A man found guilty of hiding in a convenience store locker for an hour before confronting a clerk at gunpoint and robbing the store has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Nestor Omar Perez, 26, was found guilty of Robbery with a Firearm and Grand Theft (more than $750 but less than $5,000) on Sept. 2 He was arrested by the Panama City Police Department Oct. 13, 2023 robbery in the 3000 block of U.S. 98.

Prosecutor Morgan McAfee called 12 witnesses and presented evidence that it was Perez who walked into the store that day, confronted a clerk with a gun, and committed the robbery.

The evidence showed that the defendant, wearing a jacket partially concealing his face, confronted an employee inside the store and pointed a gun at him. The defendant grabbed money from the register and fled north on Beck Avenue.

Minutes later, with police saturating the area, police spotted the defendant walking in socks near 18^th Street and Wilmont Ave. When searched, the defendant had the gun used in the robbery which had distinctive tape wrapped around the handle. They also found cash in his pocket.

Nearby, police found a pair of distinctive green shoes and other clothing that matched what the robber was wearing in a trashcan. Officers also found several hundred dollars nearby on the ground. The amount found on the ground combined with the amount found in the defendant’s pocket matched the amount missing from the store’s register.

The defendant’s car was found parked a short distance away.

State Attorney Larry Basford thanked the Panama City Police Department for its fast response and thorough investigation that helped lead to a quick resolution.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Fountain Man Guilty of Trafficking in Meth

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by Admin SA

A Fountain man was found guilty Thursday of Trafficking in Methamphetamine after an investigation and an “alert” from a drug-detecting K-9 led to the discovery of 58 grams of the drug he dumped in the vehicle, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Armando Cavazos, 44, is being held without bond pending his sentencing, which Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson set for Oct. 6. Trafficking in Methamphetamine (more than 28 grams but less than 200 grams) is a First-Degree Felony punishable by a minimum-mandatory 7 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years.

“These dealers keep bringing these deadly drugs into our community, and we will continue to take them to trial as our law enforcement partners continue to put them in jail,” Prosecutor Christopher Walters said. “The Bay County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division and Sgt. Jeremy Head did another good job of getting to this defendant before he got his drugs onto our streets.”

Walters and Prosecutor Ben Bollinger called 5 witnesses – including two co-defendants who were in the vehicle when it was stopped – proving the methamphetamine found in the truck belonged to the defendant.

According to testimony, a co-defendant said he was going to install a radio in the defendant’s vehicle in exchange for some meth. While at the defendant’s property, he had to run home for some electrical tape and gave the defendant and another man a ride so they could stop at a nearby store.

They were under surveillance by members of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office SID. When the driver failed to stop at a stop sign, they were pulled over. Inv. Dwight Cummings deployed his K-9 for a “free-air” sniff around the car and it alerted to the presence of drugs.

Attorneys confer with Judge Dustin Stephenson

Investigators testified a baggie containing a white substance was visible on the back floorboard. When the car was searched investigators found the baggie contained 58 grams of what turned out to be methamphetamine.

The driver of the vehicle testified that when deputies turned on their emergency lights to pull them over, he watched Cavazos, in the passenger’s seat, pull out a baggie filled with white powder and stuff it behind him onto the back floorboard.

The defendant was also found guilty of Tampering with a Witness. After his arrest, a recorded jail call showed he was trying to conspire with one of the co-defendants to blame the driver.

Basford thanked the Sheriff’s Office and SID for another investigation targeting a major dealer that concluded before the drugs could be sold on the street.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

20 Years For Fleeing While On Probation For Vehicular Homicide

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who had been out of prison less than a year for Vehicular Homicide was sentenced to 20 years Wednesday after violating his probation by fleeing from police after he was spotted racing another vehicle.

State Attorney Larry Basford said Javonte Terrell Davis, 21, for violating his probation, was given the maximum sentence of 15 years the State originally sought when he was sentenced in 2022. He was given an addition 5-year sentence to be served consecutively for Fleeing and Attempting to Elude.

Prosecutor Peter Overstreet said Davis’ original offense was July 30, 2021, when the black Dodge Charger he was driving ran two stop signs and hit the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle. The defendant, a juvenile at the time, was going 65 mph at the time of collision. The driver of the second car, a 16-year-old girl, died in the violent collision.

On Jan. 5, 2023, Davis entered an open plea to Vehicular Homicide Jan. 5, 2023, meaning the judge would decide the sentence. He was facing up to 15 years in prison. Overstreet asked for that maximum, however the court sentenced Davis as a Youthful Offender to 3 years in prison to be followed by 3 years’ probation. Part of his sentence was a lifetime driver’s license revocation. He was released from prison July 22, 2025.

Defendant’s car in 2022 Vehicular Homicide

On April 17, 2026, he was arrested or Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, and Racing. He was driving a 2021 Dodge Charger when Lynn Haven police saw him going about 45 mph beside a Ford Mustang. “Both vehicles then accelerated to a top speed of 72 mph in a 45 mph zone,” the arresting officer said.

The officer caught the Mustang; the Charger fled. That driver said it was his brother, Javonte Davis, driving the Charger. The car and defendant were located a short time later. A Violation of Probation charge was added.

“In 2022 I prosecuted this case and asked for the maximum sentence,” Overstreet said. “It was decided this defendant deserved a second chance. And what did he do with that chance? He’s out of prison less than a year driving another Dodge Charger, racing other vehicles and recklessly fleeing from police. He is out of chances.”

In addition, Overstreet noted the defendant’s license was permanently revoked in 2022.

Basford thanked the Parker Police Department for its work on the original case and the Lynn Haven Police Department for its proactive street enforcement. For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Stepp Guilty of Trafficking in 200+ Grams of Meth

Posted on September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 by Admin SA

A man found laying on a bed near a bowl of methamphetamine and a larger baggie of the drug was found guilty as charged Tuesday with Trafficking in 200+ grams of Methamphetamine, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

A jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning the verdict against Christian Samuel Stepp. Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson set sentencing for Sept. 28. Under Florida’s enhanced drug trafficking statutes, the charge is a First-Degree Felony punishable by a minimum-mandatory 15 years in prison and up to 30 years.

“This is a significant amount of methamphetamine that the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division got to before it hit the streets,” said lead Prosecutor Christopher Walters. “It is extremely harmful and the people bringing it into Bay County will continue to learn that sooner or later they will get caught and prosecuted.”

Walters, with Prosecutor Ryan Phillips, called five witnesses and presented evidence that included the drugs, text messages between the defendant and others, and bodycam of the search warrant being served.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Special SID team had been investigating the owner of the camper, and now a co-defendant, for drug trafficking before obtaining a search warrant that was served March 14, 2025, near Southport.

Four people were found inside. The defendant was the only person in the bedroom with the drugs. Although he told investigators he only smoked marijuana, a meth pipe with meth residue was recovered from the saddlebag of his motorcycle.

Two of the co-defendants – the owner of the camper included – testified against the defendant. The camper’s owner said he was out of town working that day and the defendant arrived with the drugs before he returned home. He described himself as a “low-level” dealer being supplied by the defendant.

Basford thanked the Sheriff’s Office for its proactive investigative work that stopped the methamphetamine from being sold on the street level.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.