A Tallahassee man who once saw his life sentence reduced thanks to changes in federal law is headed back to prison – this time for 15 years — after authorities say he returned to dealing methamphetamine less than four years after his release.
Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that Dwyone N. Dugan, also known as DeWayne Dugan, 59, was sentenced for distributing methamphetamine.
“This repeat felon’s drug trafficking activities were dismantled through excellent collaboration,” U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said in a statement. “My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute those who flood our streets with deadly drugs.”
Dugan’s story is somewhat unusual: In 1997, he was sentenced to life in federal prison on drug trafficking charges. But following changes in sentencing law, his punishment was reduced and he walked free Nov. 10, 2020.
But on Nov. 4, 2024, prosecutors say Dugan was caught selling a full pound of methamphetamine during an undercover operation.
DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter said the arrest was “a great example of law enforcement partners working toward a shared mission. Bringing a career offender like Mr. Dugan to justice will make North Florida communities safer.”
The investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Star Multijurisdictional Task Force and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said the prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating organized crime and drug trafficking.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Life sentence reduced then undone by new drug conviction, prosecutors say
Reporting by Staff report / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
