Convicted felon from Hernando, FL sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking and other offenses
William M. Gladson, State Attorney
Fifth Judicial Circuit
Serving Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties
Citrus County, Florida - On December 6, 2023, 43 year-old Joseph Singh, II of Hernando, Florida was sentenced to 15 years with 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. Sing pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of heroin with intent to sell, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, along with 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."
As the result of an investigation by Citrus County Sheriff's Office detectives into the sale of narcotics at a residence located at N. Charles Terrace in Hernando, a search warrant was served at the residence in August 2022, during which Singh was arrested, along with co-defendant Michael Guinan, Jr.
During a search of the home, detectives located various narcotics, drug paraphernalia, eighteen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body-armor, four silencers, an explosive device, and a large amount of cash.
As a result, Singh was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of heroin with intent to sell, ten counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of a destructive device, two counts of grand theft, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance (Xanax), possession of a bulletproof vest during the commission of a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Singh had previously been arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office during 'Operation Deck the Cells' and was out of jail on bond of a charge of selling fentanyl when the August arrest was made.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Nick Caporicci and Tara Hartman.
View a video about Singh's arrest by the Citgrus County Sheriff's Office at this link: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=360726566269500&__cft__[0]=AZWXUUpI5Kn0XyDP5bhfpYyhJRGC40dL6EkkZLNqVdIByqLqdiXPRbhk0AvYflDyd3ZIggKllhi2_jyWwm4t0b09lYih8XPCMoCvKbJFofHc_okP6Z1FgohcdZ73x8lYYJkKj07EsZgTwtcwJYqYHOwdGPhBTqp84k8fbSGRAvrvXcxKR7n0lxblcof9Zu-O9SYBEOX9C36SNQApC60wGG9O&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R.