MARTIN COUNTY − A 40-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years’ supervised release after a drug case in Martin County, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Daniel Thorr Gatlin, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was arrested in January 2024 outside a business in Stuart after he “attempted to sell one pound of methamphetamine to an individual Gatlin thought was a legitimate buyer,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach sentenced Gatlin on May 8.
Gatlin was identified as a member of Sur 13, a criminal street gang that’s affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“During the investigation, law enforcement confirmed that Gatlin offered to sell a variety of drugs while living at a sober home in Broward County,” the release states. “According to the investigation, Gatlin traveled to Martin County for the sole purpose of distributing controlled substances.”
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In a briefing shortly after Gatlin’s arrest, then Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said Gatlin is “a documented gang member … and he was trafficking a substantial amount of methamphetamine into our county.”
In a recorded conversation, Gatlin, described as a career offender, made reference to his gang affiliation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
In February, Gatlin pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: ‘Career offender’ sentenced to prison in drug case