GAINESVILLE, Florida — Harvey Jennings Starling, 56, of Branford, Florida, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and hydrocodone.
Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence. “Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, particularly the North Star Drug Task Force, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses.”
Court documents reflect that Starling, and others, were suspected of methamphetamine trafficking. A search warrant executed at Starling’s residence led to the seizure of approximately one pound of high-purity methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, and a firearm. Subsequent review of an electronic device used by Starling revealed communications between Starling and other individuals related to the purchase and resale of marijuana, methamphetamine, and opioid pills…