Career Offender Sentenced To More Than 18 Years For Armed Drug Trafficking

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Michael D. Richardson, Jr. (25, Hillsborough County) to 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on November 2, 2016.

According to court documents, in May 2015, law enforcement officers arrested Richardson after he was seen driving a stolen car. The officers recovered distribution quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine from inside the car. In July 2015, as officers approached Richardson in another stolen car, he fled on foot. The officers ultimately arrested Richardson who was carrying a bag containing multiple baggies of methamphetamine. Officers recovered more methamphetamine, hydrocodone (a prescription opiate), and a loaded handgun from inside the stolen car. Between his May and July arrests, Richardson possessed with the intent to distribute 24.6 grams of crack cocaine, 60 hydrocodone pills, and 203 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, Richardson had multiple prior felony convictions including robbery, robbery with a firearm, and battery.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory T. Nolan.