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Beyond Fentanyl: Panama City Man Faces Decades in Prison After Guilty Plea on Drug, Firearm Charges

Panama City man Keith pleaded guilty to drug, firearm charges after a traffic stop. He faces lengthy prison time.

byEditorial Staff

September 23, 2025, 7:39 PM

Executive Summary

Matthew Lee Keith, 41, of Panama City, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple narcotics and firearms charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Keith’s plea stems from an August 2024 traffic stop where a K-9 unit alerted to drugs, leading to the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, alprazolam, and a loaded handgun in his vehicle.

As a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, Keith faces significant penalties, including up to 40 years for drug trafficking and a mandatory consecutive five-year term for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, with sentencing scheduled for December 3, 2025.

Laws and Precedent

Matthew Lee Keith pleaded guilty to federal charges, specifically possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (typically under 21 U.S.C. § 841), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)). His sentencing, including a mandatory consecutive five-year term for the firearm in furtherance charge, is determined by federal statutes and sentencing guidelines, reflecting enhanced penalties for individuals with prior felony convictions involved in drug and firearm offenses.

A Panama City man, Matthew Lee Keith, 41, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple narcotics and firearms charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The plea was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, following an investigation that led to his arrest in August 2024.

Charges and Investigation Details

Keith’s plea stems from a traffic stop conducted in August 2024 in Panama City, Florida, as part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, alprazolam, a loaded handgun, and other items consistent with drug distribution activities.

U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the commitment to removing dangerous criminals from the streets, stating, “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, another dangerous criminal has been removed from our streets.” He added that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute such crimes.

Defendant’s Criminal History

Court documents reveal that Keith is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history. His previous felony offenses include tampering with a witness, carrying a concealed weapon, battery, trafficking methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of heroin, and possession of cocaine. These prior convictions informed the federal charges he now faces.

Potential Sentencing

Keith faces significant penalties for his admitted crimes. For the drug trafficking charge, he could receive up to 40 years in prison, and up to 15 years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory consecutive five-year term, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

The case was the result of a joint investigative effort by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting the case. Sentencing for Keith is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 11:00 am, before United States District Judge Mark Walker at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

Looking Ahead

The guilty plea of Matthew Lee Keith underscores the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession in the Northern District of Florida. The upcoming sentencing will determine the final consequences for Keith’s actions, reinforcing the message against drug-related violence in the community.