KEY POINTS
A Laurel Hill, Florida man with multiple prior felony convictions has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms. Seth Dewayne Talbot, 45, received the 15-year sentence from District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute the drug, possession of a firearm to facilitate drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, the investigation began in October 2024 when the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received information that Talbot was selling illegal narcotics. The following month, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at his residence.
During the search, investigators discovered over 180 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, a box of ammunition, and U.S. currency inside Talbot’s bedroom. His prior felony convictions legally prohibited him from owning any firearms.
Official Statements
U.S. Attorney Heekin commended the joint effort of law enforcement agencies involved in the case. “Methamphetamine is a deadly drug that is plaguing our communities, and my office will continue to support the excellent work of our law enforcement partners by aggressively prosecuting the criminals who flood our streets with these dangerous drugs,” Heekin said.
The sentiment was echoed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which played a key role in the investigation. “Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and insidious poison that destroys communities,” said Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division. “The men and women of the DEA will continue to work tirelessly with our local and state law enforcement partners to ensure those, like Mr. Talbot, who put the safety of our communities at risk are held accountable for their actions.”
Representing local law enforcement, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation. “We are proud of our ongoing successful partnerships to target drug traffickers and remove them from our county,” Sheriff Aden stated. “Whether they’re operating in populated areas or rural communities, our combined efforts and persistence continue to pay off.”
A Multi-Agency Investigation
The conviction and sentence were the result of a coordinated investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Talbot’s 15-year sentence underscores the significant federal penalties for armed drug trafficking and highlights a continued, unified focus by law enforcement on dismantling these criminal operations in North Florida.
