Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Carlton Shoemaker, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The charges include three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, and Shoemaker now faces a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment.
Details of the Plea
Drug Trafficking Operations
Court documents reveal that Shoemaker engaged in the sale of methamphetamine and cocaine from a motel room located in Pensacola. This operation came to an end in May 2025 when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his motel room. During the search, officers discovered quantities of cocaine and marijuana, along with two firearms, ammunition, and various items indicative of drug distribution activities.
Prior Criminal Record
Shoemaker’s status as a convicted felon significantly elevates the severity of his current firearm charges. His criminal history includes multiple prior convictions, such as Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of Cocaine, and Grand Theft of a Firearm. These past offenses underscore a pattern of criminal behavior that contributed to the federal charges he now faces.
Law Enforcement Commentary and Commitment
U.S. Attorney’s Statement
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin commented on the outcome of the case, emphasizing the collaborative effort of law enforcement. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this career criminal has been removed from our streets and there will be one fewer drug trafficker flooding our community with deadly drugs,” Heekin stated. He further affirmed his office’s dedication to fulfilling “the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward that goal.”
Investigation and Prosecution
Collaborative Effort
The successful prosecution of Shoemaker stemmed from a joint investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This interagency cooperation was crucial in gathering the evidence necessary for the federal charges.
Legal Proceedings
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Christopher Patterson. Shoemaker’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am. The proceeding will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, with United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, presiding over the sentencing.
Looking Ahead
Shoemaker’s guilty plea marks a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and gun-related crime in the Northern District of Florida. The upcoming sentencing will determine the final legal consequences for his actions, with a potential life sentence reflecting the gravity of the offenses and his extensive criminal history.
