DeSoto County Career Criminal Sentenced To More Than Twenty Years In Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Robert Steven Harrelson (45, Arcadia) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Harrelson to forfeit a firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Harrelson had pleaded guilty on November 30, 2022.

According to court records, on April 28, 2019, deputies from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Harrelson in the Forest Pines area of Arcadia. Instead of stopping his vehicle, Harrelson accelerated away from deputies until his vehicle became disabled after striking a power pole and a tree. Harrelson then ran from his vehicle before he was apprehended and arrested by pursuing deputies. Inside his vehicle, deputies located several large plastic bags filled with more than 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine and a loaded handgun. At the time of his offense, Harrelson was a previously convicted felon, including having two prior convictions for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.