Three Orange County men are facing lengthy prison sentences after pleading guilty to fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution charges.
Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced that 34-year-old Apopka resident Bradley D. Burch, 37-year-old Apopka resident Ronald E. Hubbard, Jr., and 33-year-old Orlando resident Douglas E. Arnett, Jr. have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine.
Burch also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to plea agreements and court records, undercover law enforcement agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine from Burch throughout 2023.
During some of those deals, Hubbard, Arnett, or both of them supplied the drugs to Burch, who then sold the narcotics to the undercover agents. In total, Hubbard, Arnett, and Burch distributed nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine, along with more than 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures.
In addition, Burch had a firearm in his waistband or nearby during some of the transactions with undercover agents.
Burch is facing a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Hubbard and Arnett are each facing a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, behind bars.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.