Tallahassee, FL – Two brothers from Tallahassee have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison following their involvement in a large-scale marijuana distribution conspiracy. Tyquan Watson, 28, and his half-brother Cleveland Blackshear, 26, were among four individuals sentenced for distributing over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in the Tallahassee area, according to an announcement by United States Attorney John P. Heekin.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a significant investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The investigation revealed that Watson was procuring large quantities of marijuana weekly from sources in California and selling it locally. Evidence presented in court showed that Watson had obtained at least 3,169 pounds of marijuana between September 2023 and January 2024, with sales generating approximately $2.4 million.
Other individuals involved in the conspiracy received varying sentences. Dezaneil Cosby, 28, was sentenced to five years in prison, while Shambresha Turner, 26, received time-served and supervised release. Turner was apprehended at Panama City airport with 40 pounds of marijuana in her luggage, admitting to being compensated for transporting the drugs. The investigation also included a controlled purchase of marijuana from Blackshear, facilitated by Cosby.
The collaboration between federal and state law enforcement agencies was emphasized by U.S. Attorney Heekin, who praised their efforts in bringing the drug traffickers to justice. He highlighted the community impact, noting that drug trafficking often leads to addiction and violence.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter underscored the seriousness with which marijuana trafficking is treated, stating, “With dispensaries and smoke shops becoming more commonplace, people may falsely assume that marijuana is no big deal. I assure you, DEA considers it a big deal. It’s stronger than ever and can pose a serious health risk, especially to children.”
The joint operation also included assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case.
Law enforcement agencies remain committed to addressing drug trafficking issues in the community. FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Keith Wilmer stated, “This investigation sends a clear message: if you bring drug trafficking and violence into our communities, we’re coming for you.”
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, as well as reducing violent crime in communities across the nation. Watson was also ordered to forfeit over $2.4 million in drug proceeds as part of his sentence.
