Executive Summary
- Ronald Dale White, 39, and Darius Rafael Whisler, 33, from Pensacola, have been indicted on federal charges of conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Ronald White faces an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Both men are scheduled for trial on October 6, 2025, and could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Laws and Precedent
- The defendants are facing federal charges for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which falls under federal drug trafficking laws and can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. One defendant also faces an additional federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The legal process began with a federal grand jury indictment, a formal accusation signifying sufficient evidence to proceed with charges, while upholding the principle that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Two Pensacola men, Ronald Dale White, 39, and Darius Rafael Whisler, 33, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charges were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, following an investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The indictment includes multiple counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine against both individuals. Additionally, Ronald White faces an extra charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, underscoring the severity of the allegations.
Whisler was arraigned in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on August 26, 2025. White’s arraignment took place before Judge Cannon on August 28, 2025. Both men are scheduled to appear for trial on October 6, 2025, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida.
If convicted on the charges, White and Whisler could each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The potential penalties reflect the serious nature of federal drug trafficking offenses.
Investigation Details
The case is being investigated by a collaborative effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case for the government.
An indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury, signifying that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges. It is important to remember that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
