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Tallahassee Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine Distribution After Prior Life Sentence

Dugan, a repeat offender, sentenced to 15 years for meth distribution. This follows his release from a life sentence.

byEditorial Staff

November 14, 2025, 12:32 PM

Close-up of a person's hands tightly bound by metal handcuffs, wearing a bright orange shirt.

A close-up of a person's hands restrained by handcuffs, symbolizing detention and sentencing. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Dwyone N. Dugan, 59, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

This sentencing occurred less than four years after Dugan’s release from a previous life sentence for similar federal drug trafficking charges.

The investigation was a collaborative effort by the DEA, North Star Multijurisdictional Task Force, and Leon County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the nationwide “Operation Take Back America” initiative.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant was sentenced under federal drug trafficking laws for distributing methamphetamine, underscoring the severe penalties for such offenses at the federal level. His prior life sentence for similar crimes was reduced due to a “change in the law,” illustrating the impact of federal sentencing reforms or guideline amendments, while his repeat offender status likely contributed to the substantial new sentence.

Dwyone N. Dugan, also known as DeWayne Dugan, a 59-year-old Tallahassee resident, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Friday, November 14, 2025, for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. This sentencing marks his return to federal custody less than four years after his release from a previous life sentence for similar federal drug trafficking charges.

Case Details and Prior Offenses

Dugan’s latest conviction stems from an incident on November 4, 2024, when law enforcement caught him selling a pound of methamphetamine during an undercover operation. This occurred after his initial release from prison on November 10, 2020. He had originally been sentenced to life in prison in 1997 for federal drug trafficking offenses, but his sentence was later reduced due to a change in the law.

United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence. The prosecution highlighted Dugan’s history as a repeat offender in drug trafficking activities.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

The investigation leading to Dugan’s latest conviction was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies. These included the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Star Multijurisdictional Task Force, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division, emphasized the importance of this joint investigation. She stated that bringing a career offender like Dugan to justice contributes to making North Florida communities safer.

Prosecution and Broader Initiative

Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice.

The initiative aims to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. It leverages resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Looking Forward

Dugan’s 15-year federal prison sentence underscores the continued efforts by law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address drug trafficking. His case serves as an example of the consequences for repeat offenders who resume criminal activities after release.