This afternoon, drug trafficker James Edward Pitts, was convicted of Trafficking in Dangerous Fentanyl, 28 grams or more, and immediately sentenced to the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with a 25-year minimum/mandatory, meaning he has to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine.
Assistant State Attorney Christine Cummins and Assistant State Attorney Zachary Haefeli prosecuted the case.
In April 2025 the defendant arranged a large quantity of Fentanyl, to be brought into Southwest Florida, from Broward County. He arranged a minivan to be rented to transport the drugs.
As the vehicle entered Lee County, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop. Fentanyl was found taped up in the shape of bricks, in a compartment of the vehicle.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director