Miami, FL – Daniel Thorr Gatlin, a 40-year-old from Jacksonville, Arkansas, and a documented member of the transnational criminal street gang Sureños, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach on May 8, 2025.
Gatlin was arrested on January 3, 2024, by Martin County Sheriff’s Deputies outside a convenience store in Stuart, Florida. He was attempting to sell one pound of methamphetamine to an individual he believed to be a legitimate buyer. Further investigation revealed that Gatlin had been offering various drugs for sale while residing at a sober home in Broward County. He traveled to Martin County specifically to distribute controlled substances.
Gatlin, a career offender, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. During a recorded conversation, he admitted to his gang affiliation and cited his connections within the Sureños as the reason he was entrusted with over three pounds of methamphetamine for distribution in South Florida.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fort Pierce and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. The announcement of Gatlin’s sentencing was made by U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of the HSI Miami Field Division, and Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. Assistant United States Attorney Breezye Telfair prosecuted the case.
