Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Possession With The Intent To Distribute Fentanyl

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that O’Neil Clifton Gordon (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on March 10, 2022, law enforcement officers observed what they believed to be a drug exchange between Gordon and one of his known associates. As Gordon left the exchange, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) turned on their vehicles’ lights and sirens and attempted to stop Gordon. Instead of stopping, Gordon fled in his vehicle and eventually escaped. The next day, a felony arrest warrant was issued.

On April 28, 2022, OSCO deputies observed Gordon drive down Colonial Drive in Orlando, realized he had an active warrant, and conducted surveillance. Gordon parked outside a barbershop. While in the parking lot, OCSO observed what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug exchange.

Gordon eventually left the parking lot, got in his car, and drove away. OCSO deputies followed Gordon until he pulled into his neighborhood. The deputies turned on their lights and sirens and attempted to arrest Gordon. Gordon exited his vehicle and began running. OCSO eventually caught up to Gordon and arrested him. They recovered $830 cash from his pockets.

Inside Gordon’s vehicle, OCSO officers located a Glock firearm, extended magazine, and 21 rounds of ammunition. They also recovered a backpack containing narcotics, including 14.46 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, and plastic baggies from the front passenger seat.

OCSO got a warrant to search Gordon’s room where they recovered additional ammunition, narcotics, and a pill press.

OCSO also obtained a warrant to search Gordon’s Instagram account where they located photographs of him with a firearm and conversations regarding the sale of cocaine, pills, and marijuana.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.