Three plead guilty in Florida federal drug trafficking case

FLORIDA — Three Central Florida men have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

Bradley D. Burch, 34, of Apopka, Ronald E. Hubbard Jr., 37, also of Apopka, and Douglas E. Arnett Jr., 33, of Orlando, admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute the illegal substances.

In addition, Burch pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and plea agreements, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled drug purchases from Burch throughout 2023.

These included powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine. Authorities say Hubbard and Arnett supplied some of the drugs Burch sold during the operation.

Investigators estimate that the group distributed nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures.

During several of the transactions, Burch was reportedly armed, with a firearm either nearby or tucked in his waistband.

Hubbard and Arnett each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and up to life. Burch faces a minimum of 15 years to life due to the firearms charge.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and the Apopka Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence by strengthening relationships between law enforcement and communities.