A life sentence was handed down to Michael Allen Reams, a convicted sexual predator and habitual felony offender, for a range of drug charges, including trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and other narcotics. Lake County Judge Brian Welke delivered the ruling yesterday, with Reams, age 44, receiving the maximum penalty permitted by law for his crimes.
Details of the case, originally reported by the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, indicated that Reams was apprehended following a July 13, 2021, traffic stop, which uncovered five ounces of fentanyl and led detectives to execute a search warrant at a residence in Tavares, Florida. The sting operation involved cooperation between the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Tavares Police Department, and Leesburg Police Department.
Sources indicate that when authorities searched the premises, they found Reams along with a woman and a child inside the home. Moreover, various quantities of narcotics, multiple cellphones, and drug paraphernalia commonly associated with narcotics packaging and distribution were discovered on the property. A safe in Reams' room was found to contain evidence suggesting the sale of narcotics, and an Oldsmobile linked to Reams contained over 28 grams of heroin.
In the trial, Reams chose self-representation, and according to information furnished by the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, forensic analysts confirmed Reams' DNA was on the narcotics evidence. The prosecution also revealed during court proceedings that Reams had allegedly used a young child to transport bags containing the drugs, including the especially lethal fentanyl. Assistant State Attorney Kristalle Smoller led the successful prosecution of the case.
Reams' list of charges included Trafficking in Heroin 28 grams or more, Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl 28 grams or more, Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Place for Trafficking/Sale of a Controlled Substance, Child Neglect, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Device, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
