TAMPA, Fla. – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced that a federal jury has found Tryon Metteria Byrd IV (45, Valrico) guilty of conspiring to distribute, and distributing, methamphetamine and cocaine. The verdict, delivered today, concludes a trial stemming from an investigation into a drug distribution network operating out of St. Petersburg.
Byrd faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
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According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, Byrd and his co-conspirators distributed methamphetamine and cocaine from three residences in St. Petersburg. Notably, Byrd made direct sales to undercover detectives from the St. Petersburg Police Department from a residence owned by his family.
Three co-conspirators, Eric L. Lemon, Eric Lekent Lemon Jr., and Dominic Giannantonio, previously pleaded guilty and have already been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Lemon received a sentence of 21 years and 6 months in federal prison, Lemon Jr. was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months, and Giannantonio received 11 years and 3 months.
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The case was the result of a collaborative investigation by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan prosecuted the case.
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