Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Demetrius Haynes (36, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and six counts of distribution of a controlled substance. Haynes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in 2021, Haynes conspired with others to distribute cocaine and fentanyl around the Tampa Bay area. During the investigation by state and federal agents, Haynes also engaged in six undercover sales of cocaine and fentanyl to law enforcement.

On February 12, 2021, Haynes was arrested by ATF agents following an undercover purchase of fentanyl and cocaine. Haynes arrived at all six narcotics transactions in the same vehicle, a Nissan Maxima. The car was searched after his arrest and was found to contain drug paraphernalia. The Nissan, which was used to facilitate the drug deals, was seized by law enforcement.

After his arrest, ATF agents, along with officers from the Tampa Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence where Haynes had been staying. During the search, agents located a container with a chunky white substance that field tested positive for cocaine, a safe that contained approximately $34,000, a Jimenez Arms .380 caliber pistol, currency totaling approximately $6,850, approximately 30 rounds of ammunition, and an extended magazine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.