Robert Paul Kowanko convicted of trafficking narcotics; sentencing set for April

State Attorney's Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

March 10, 2025

Citrus County, Florida - In the Inverness, Florida courtroom of the Honorable Judge Joel D. Fritton last week, 50 year-old Robert Paul Kowanko of Port Charlotte, Florida was found guilt, by a jury, of charges related to his 2023 arrest: trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Kowanko was remanded into custody to await his sentencing hearing that is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 30, 2025.

"We've seen the devastating and deadly impacts of illicit narcotics in our communities," said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. "Working with our law enforcement partners like that of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, we are targeting the source of these drugs, and ensuring defendants face their punishment for the harm they caused."

Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis prosecuted this case.

Kowanko was arrested in September 2023 following an investigation by detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit. The investigation revealed that Kowanko was involved in the sale and delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine within Citrus County.

After a controlled drug transaction conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit was completed, officials observed Kowanko and his co-defendant, then 37 year-old Sean Thomas Joyce, also of Port Charlotte, exit the wood line of a property located off U.S. Highway 19 in Crystal River, Florida. Officers then spoke with Kowanko, who was standing by his vehicle, and Joyce, who was seated inside the vehicle.

Kowanko and Joyce wee both detained. Both were found to be in possession of narcotics on their person. A search of the car turned up a clear plastic food-type baggie that contained a white powdery substance, along with a digital scale and two hypodermic needles. The substances found were field-tested, and all were determined to be either fentanyl or methamphetamine.

Detectives determined that Kowanko and Joyce had traveled from Port Charlotte to deliver approximately a half-pound of methamphetamine. Kowanko admitted to selling the narcotics.

Earlier in 2025, co-defendant Joyce entered a plea and was sentenced to 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.