Central Florida drug trafficking organization arrested on federal charges

Eight members of a Central Florida drug trafficking organization based in Webster have been arrested on federal charges. The suspects arrested are from Webster, New Port Richey and Tampa.

The drug operation spanned Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Sumter and Pinellas counties.

United States Attorney Roger Handberg announced the unsealing of an indictment charging seven people with drug trafficking crimes. The indictment also informs the individuals that the United States intends to confiscate a purple Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm pistol and an assortment of ammunition. An eighth individual was the subject of a criminal complaint.

• Clarence Ford, Jr., 46, of Webster
• Willie Ford III, 35, of Webster
• Justin Demon Lowery, 41, of Webster
• Matthew Stanley Simmons III, 25, of New Port Richey
• Antwan D. Williams, 44, of Webster
• William Cody Ferguson, 30, of Tampa
• Johnny Leanda Harris, 56, of Webster
• Theron Mathews, 36, of New Port Richey

According to court records and information presented during detention hearings, Clarence Ford, Jr. was the primary source of supply of methamphetamine in the Webster area. His drug trafficking organization spanned Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Sumter and Pinellas counties.

Ford provided drugs to Willie Ford, Matthew Simmons, Justin Lowery, Antwan Williams and Johnny Harris. These individuals are allegedly responsible for distributing more than 2,970 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 129 grams of fentanyl and conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy.

On May 14, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested the seven individuals charged by indictment. During a search warrant executed at Simmons' residence, officers found fentanyl, scales, blenders and firearms. As a result, Simmons' roommate, Theron Mathews, was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint.

In total, agents seized 11 firearms, approximately 800 grams of fentanyl, approximately 1,400 grams of methamphetamine, 2-kilogram presses, a pill press and $40,000 in cash from members of the organization during the arrest operations.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Tampa Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Pasco Sheriff's Office. He will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.