Lake County Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

A Leesburg man was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week after being convicted of drug trafficking in a 2022 case.

On Monday, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, James Lewis Hodge III, 34, was found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. The charges against Hodge stem from his arrest in 2022. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the Florida Department of Corrections for drug trafficking.

“The sentencing of this drug trafficker to 20 years in prison sends a clear message that illegal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities will not be tolerated,” said Bill Gladson, U.S. Attorney General. Fifth Judicial Circuit. “Criminals will pay to engage in crimes that put lives at risk. »

On April 25, 2022, a Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy conducted a traffic stop. Deputy Heuser approached the driver, later identified as Hodge, and explained the reason for the stop. While speaking with Hodge about the offense, the deputy could smell a distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the interior of the vehicle. A K-9 unit responded to the stop and alerted the vehicle. Hodge and another occupant were asked to exit the vehicle so it could be searched.

Upon exiting the vehicle, authorities discovered Hodge was on probation and had a condition to search for contraband or alcohol. Authorities searched him and located approximately 28 grams of pills that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Hodge was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

The outcome of this case was the result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and Assistant Prosecutors Chelsey Omega and Gennady Gusak.