U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Joseph Michael Schneider, a 58-year-old resident of Cocoa, Florida, to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison. Schneider was found guilty of possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them after pleading guilty on August 14, 2024.
The plea agreement revealed that law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases from Schneider using a confidential source and an undercover agent. Each purchase involved approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine and took place at Schneider's residence. A search warrant executed at the same location led to the discovery of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, over 100 grams of cocaine, and a small amount of a fentanyl analog. In total, Schneider was responsible for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine.
The investigation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.