Gainesville man sentenced to over 22 years in federal prison for drug and gun crimes committed while on federal supervision

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dovico Raynard Miles, a/k/a “Vico,” 47, was sentenced to a total of 270 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to narcotics and firearm offenses as well as violating the terms of his federal supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to three federal charges: possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base, N,N-Dimethylpentylone, and marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This is yet another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, through which President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have unleashed the full might of the Department of Justice to eliminate the threats to the safety of our communities by drug traffickers and violent felons, like this defendant. We will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone who peddles this poison on our streets.”

On July 19, 2022, two armed robbers kicked in the front door of the defendant’s residence, intending to steal drugs and cash. During the home invasion, one of the robbers shot and killed the defendant’s niece. After the defendant returned fire and both robbers fled, the defendant proceeded to hide large quantities of drugs and firearms in the back yard. Law enforcement ultimately recovered over 1,000 grams of cocaine, over 70 grams of cocaine base, over 1,400 grams of methamphetamine, over 70 grams of marijuana, multiple firearms, and over $10,000 in cash.

Click here to read our article about the original incident.

At the time of the investigation, the defendant was on federal supervised release for a 2008 conviction involving trafficking cocaine and cocaine base. The defendant was also prohibited from possessing firearms after having been convicted of eight different felonies.   

“We have zero tolerance for violent crime and will work with all our partners to seek justice,” said Chief Nelson Moya, Gainesville Police Department. “Keeping our community safe from guns and drugs will always be a priority.”

“Floridians are much safer with this violent drug dealer behind bars,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell. “This joint investigation is yet another reminder that serious crimes come with serious penalties.”

“Bringing this poly-drug distributor to justice will make North Florida communities safer,” said DEA Miami Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Bobbitt. “Methamphetamine can tear apart families and its impact on communities is immeasurable.”

The defendant was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment for his gun and drug crimes. He received an additional 30 months for violating the terms of his supervised release. Following his term of incarceration, the defendant will be on federal supervised release again for an additional ten years.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner and Former Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Elsey.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.