(Citrus County, FL) Earlier today, 43-year-old Joseph Singh II pleaded guilty to Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, along with many other drug-related charges.
“Today’s sentencing is another significant step forward in ridding our communities from deadly drug traffickers like Singh,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “A 15-year sentence reflects the dedicated efforts of law enforcement, our prosecution team, and the judicial system working together to protect our citizens.”
Back in August of 2022, Singh was arrested by detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives from CCSO’s Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) executed a search warrant at a residence off of North Charles Terrace in Hernando, FL. Officials were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the residence and conducted an investigation that led to the execution of the narcotics search warrant.
Upon arrival at the residence, TIU detectives located Singh, along with co-defendant Michael Guinan, Jr. After securing both individuals, detectives proceeded with the execution of the search warrant. Various narcotics, drug paraphernalia, eighteen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body-armor, four silencers, an explosive device, and a large amount of cash were seized.
Singh was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell heroin, ten counts possession of firearm by a convicted felon, rent/own/lease drug dwelling, possession of a destructive device, two counts grand theft, two counts grand theft of firearm, possession of a controlled substance (xanax), possession of a bulletproof vest in the commission of a felony, and possession of paraphernalia.
He had previously been arrested during the CCSO’s Operation Deck the Cells and was out on bond for sales of fentanyl when this arrest was made.
Singh was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, which carries a 7-year minimum mandatory. Additionally, Singh was ordered to pay $100,000 in court fees and fines.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Nick Caporicci and Tara Hartman.