Pensacola Man Sentenced For Conspiring To Distribute Approximately $20 Million Worth of Cocaine

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - - United States Attorney Pamela C. Marsh announced that Ricky L. Blankenship, age 43, of Pensacola, was sentenced today on federal charges related to a multi-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine throughout Pensacola, Florida.

The investigation into Blankenship culminated in November 2013, when Blankenship and his co-defendant were apprehended leaving a residence in which over $260,000.00 in cash was located.  The co-defendant was found to be in possession of eight (8) kilograms of cocaine when stopped by law enforcement.  Telephone records corroborated Blankenship’s illicit relationship with the co-defendant and the deliverer of the seized cocaine.  Over the multi-year criminal conspiracy, Blankenship was responsible for over five hundred (500) kilograms of cocaine entering into the Northern District of Florida.  This, coupled with his prior criminal history, was considered by the Court at sentencing.

            Blankenship was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Lacey A. Collier to life imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  Blankenship was also ordered to forfeit multiple vehicles, gold vehicle rims, a Rolex watch, diamond earrings, six flat screen televisions, and over $260,000.00 in cash.

            The prosecution was a result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg.