(Marion County, FL) Following a thorough week-long trial, a jury reached its verdict this past Monday, finding defendants, 42-year-old Ahmar Rashard Porter, and 47-year-old Michael Lawrence Robinson, guilty on a total of Twenty Counts related to Drug Trafficking. The trial, which commenced on April 29, 2024, concluded with convictions against both individuals.
Porter faced charges including two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of a Place for Trafficking or Sale of a Controlled Substance, Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Sale of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony, and various Conspiracy Charges.
Additionally, Robinson was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of a Place for Trafficking or Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy Charges.
“The verdict in this case sends a powerful message, those who profit from drug trafficking will be held accountable for the devastation they bring to our communities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
The trial stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2020 by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), comprising officers from the Ocala Police Department and deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The probe targeted suspected drug trafficking activities involving Porter, Robinson, and others, including Lloyd Kinsler, who previously entered a plea agreement and received a twenty-year sentence.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Porter and Robinson collaborated with other individuals to traffic narcotics, utilizing various residences in Marion County for the storage, sale, and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Investigators utilized court-authorized interceptions, providing crucial insights into their operations.
Arrests were made during the investigation, including individuals purchasing narcotics, further substantiating the allegations. Search warrants executed on October 9, 2020, yielded significant quantities of drugs at residences linked to Porter and Robinson. At Porter’s residence, authorities seized approximately 7 pounds of methamphetamine, along with firearms, cocaine, heroin, and currency counting machines. Similarly, Robinson’s residence yielded over a pound of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana. Porter and Robinson were arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail.
Porter and Robinson both will be sentenced in their upcoming hearing on June 6th.
These cases were successfully prosecuted by Assistance State Attorney Sam Armstrong, who was assisted by Kim Lane.
Published on 5/10/2024.