Perry Woman Indicted for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Methamphetamine Distribution

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Miranda Stafford, 55, of Perry, Florida, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that between on or about March 1, 2023, and on or about April 11, 2023, Stafford conspired with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on or about April 4, 2023, Stafford distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and on or about April 11, 2023, possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Based on prior felony drug trafficking convictions, if convicted, Stafford faces not less than 25 years up to life in prison for all three charges.

This case resulted from a large-scale, regional investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Taylor County Sheriff's Office, Madison County Sheriff's Office, and the Perry Police Department, as well as members of the Northstar Drug Task Force, including the Wakulla, Bay, Gulf, and Leon County Sheriff's Offices. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov. Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA's interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com , www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.

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