(Citrus County, FL) Today, in a brief court appearance, 27-year-old Aljuwan Malik Burnett was sentenced on charges brought against him from his 2023 arrest. As a result of his plea, Burnett was sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Burnett was arrested on May 3, 2023, by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies at the conclusion of an undercover narcotics investigation. Officials with CCSO determined that Burnett was selling large quantities of illegal drugs and scheduled several undercover buys.
During the first two controlled purchases, which took place over several days, Burnett sold authorities seven grams of Fentanyl. The final purchase, of roughly 30 grams of Fentanyl, was conducted on May 3rd, after which members of CCSO moved in to arrest Burnett – who fled on foot but was apprehended shortly within the vicinity of the sale.
Burnett was charged with three counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl, Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000ft of a School, three counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, and one count of Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence.
“Today’s sentence marks a significant step towards protecting our community from illicit narcotics dealers like Burnett,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding individuals accountable, particularly those who pose a deadly risk to our citizens. The outcome of this case sends a clear message drug dealers will face severe consequences under the law.”
The State Attorney’s Office appreciates the collaboration and dedication of the law enforcement officials involved in the investigation.
The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Caporicci and Kaitlyn Mannis.
Published on March 1. 2024.