OCALA — A 33-year-old Marion County man will spend 20 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of possessing massive quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine for distribution, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced.
U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced Phillip Washington III, also known as “Lil’ Phil,” following his conviction on April 2, 2026, on charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The case traces to a search warrant the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team executed on Washington’s residence on May 13, 2024. Agents recovered 885 grams of fentanyl, 3,034 grams of actual methamphetamine and 302 grams of cocaine — a combined haul of more than four kilograms of controlled substances. A large portion of the drugs was found in a duffle bag on the dining table, according to court documents.
Investigators also seized multiple scales and other items consistent with the packaging and distribution of narcotics. Washington’s home was equipped with a video-recorded security system, and footage from that system showed him carrying the duffle bag containing the controlled substances into the residence — evidence that proved critical at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and UDEST conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg prosecuted the case in the Middle District of Florida.
The 885 grams of fentanyl alone represent a potentially lethal supply. The DEA has previously estimated that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, meaning the quantity seized from Washington’s home could have produced hundreds of thousands of lethal doses flowing into Marion County and surrounding communities.
Washington will serve his 20-year sentence in federal prison, where there is no parole.