Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Crawfordville, Florida – Lisa Marie Ezell, 39, of Crawfordville, has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The plea, announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, follows an investigation that uncovered significant drug and weapon caches at her residence.
Details of the Charges and Potential Sentencing
Ezell’s guilty plea stems from a comprehensive case involving drug distribution and illegal firearm possession. Due to her prior criminal record, which includes a serious drug felony, she was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
She now faces a minimum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment for the possession with intent to distribute count and up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count. Additionally, Ezell is subject to a mandatory consecutive sentence of a minimum of five years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Investigation Uncovers Drugs and Weapons
Court documents reveal that law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ezell’s residence in July 2025. This action followed a series of controlled purchases where officers acquired large quantities of methamphetamine directly from her.
During the search, investigators recovered substantial amounts of methamphetamine, a total of 18 firearms, and several thousand dollars. Authorities believe the recovered cash represents proceeds from her extensive drug trafficking operations.
Official Statements on Prosecution Efforts
United States Attorney John P. Heekin emphasized the importance of such prosecutions in maintaining public safety. “Our law enforcement partners work hard every day to take dangerous drugs and guns off our streets, and this successful prosecution is another step in keeping our communities safe,” Heekin stated.
Heekin further affirmed his office’s dedication to combating drug crime, noting, “My office is committed to aggressively pursuing criminals like this defendant with the full force of the law to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the dangerous drug traffickers who have flooded our streets with deadly narcotics.”
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
The successful outcome of this case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson is prosecuting the case, bringing it to its current resolution.
Conclusion
The guilty plea by Lisa Marie Ezell underscores the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and remove illegal firearms from communities. This prosecution serves as a testament to the commitment to hold individuals accountable for actions that endanger public safety and contribute to the spread of illicit substances.
