Florida
Fort Walton Beach Woman Cocaine Trafficking Case Ends in Pensacola Federal Court Plea
Pensacola, Florida – Kawana D. Gamble, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine…
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Key points
- Kawana Gamble of Fort Walton Beach pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy and possession charges.
- Law enforcement seized over 660 grams of powder cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine during the investigation.
- Gamble faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 80 years in federal prison at her December sentencing.
NewsWK — A Fort Walton Beach woman faces significant prison time after admitting to federal drug charges in Pensacola. Kawana Gamble Fort Walton Beach entered a guilty plea for her role in a local drug distribution conspiracy.
How did the Okaloosa County drug trafficking arrest unfold?
Local and federal investigators dismantled the operation after a detailed multi-agency probe in the Panhandle. Law enforcement officers utilized controlled drug buys and cell phone data to build their case. They ultimately executed a search warrant at her home, which uncovered a significant stash of illicit narcotics.
Deputies and federal agents seized more than 660 grams of powder cocaine from the residence. Additionally, they recovered over 50 grams of crack cocaine. These illegal activities occurred between May 2024 and September 2025 in Okaloosa County.
What are the details of this Pensacola Federal Court drug plea?
Gamble pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession charges involving substantial amounts of powder and crack cocaine. United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced the plea following the joint investigation. Therefore, the prosecution represents a coordinated effort to remove major drug distributors from Northwest Florida neighborhoods.
What penalties does the Fort Walton Beach drug bust carry?
Gamble now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison. However, the statutory maximum penalty reaches up to 80 years of imprisonment across all charges. U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers will oversee the final sentencing hearing scheduled for late December.
The sentencing will take place on December 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case. This prosecution was part of the federal initiative known as Operation Take Back America. Multiple agencies assisted in the case, including the Drug Enforcement Administration. Furthermore, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force assisted.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Fort Walton Beach Felon Faces Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges in Pensacola Court
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