TAMPA, Fla. – James Bookman, 30, of Largo, has been sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for his role in a drug distribution conspiracy that involved fentanyl and methamphetamine sales across the United States, including one that resulted in a fatal overdose in Montana.
U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday handed down the sentence after Bookman pleaded guilty to the charges on October 2, 2024.
According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Bookman utilized a dark web marketplace to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl, disguised as oxycodone pills, and methamphetamine, disguised as Adderall pills, among other controlled substances.
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The investigation revealed that one of these sales led to the fentanyl overdose death of an online customer in Montana.
The case was the result of a multi-agency investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office, the Butte-Silver Bow (Montana) Law Enforcement Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
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Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston prosecuted the case, highlighting the dangers of dark web drug sales and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and communities.
The sentence reflects the severity of Bookman’s crimes and serves as a warning to those who engage in similar illegal activities.
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