Ocala, Florida – Samantha Calvente (44, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to possession of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. She faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the court records, on August 21, 2022, Calvente went to the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (“FCC Coleman”) in Sumter Countyto visit her husband, R.C, who was an inmate at the facility. As Calvente entered the prison, she told correctional officers that she did not have any prohibited items on her person, including narcotics. When Calvente entered the visitation room, however, staff observed her retrieving an unknown object from her waistband and placing it between her legs. Correctional officers promptly escorted Calvente out of the visitation room. Before a search could take place, Calvente handed the officers an object wrapped in a black latex material that contained over 24 grams of methamphetamine. Calvente then admitted that she had introduced contraband into prison facilities for her husband on prior occasions.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Watson and Anthony C. Marek.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Middle District of Florida — U.S. Department of Justice press release.