Two Escambia Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced To Federal Prison

August 31, 2026

Two Escambia County fentanyl traffickers have been sentenced to federal prison.

Thomas Christopher Morton, 47, and Laurie Ann Chapman, 54, were each sentenced to five years in federal prison.

Morton was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and three counts of distribution of fentanyl.

Chapman was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

Court records indicate that Morton and Chapman were the targets of a multi-month joint agency investigation. During that time, law enforcement conducted surveillance and documented multiple instances of both defendants distributing fentanyl. The investigation concluded on May 29, 2025, when officers conducted a traffic stop and found the defendants in possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl intended for a prearranged sale.

“Every time our dedicated agents and law enforcement partners seize fentanyl we save lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “Fentanyl traffickers remain DEA’s top priority.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT FEATURE