LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Two men from Southwest Florida have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Lee County.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber sentenced Sam Austin Young, 28, of Fort Myers, to 20 years in prison, and Bryant Eric Scharoun, 35, of Lehigh Acres, to 15 years. Young pleaded guilty on July 23, 2024, and Scharoun pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024.

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According to court records, Young and Scharoun held leadership positions in the conspiracy, which operated between approximately June 2022 and March 2023. The investigation revealed that they used an elderly, drug-addicted individual to courier drugs and money as part of their operation.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized significant quantities of narcotics, including more than 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 2 kilograms of cocaine, and approximately half a kilogram of fentanyl. Ten firearms, possessed in furtherance of the conspiracy, were also seized.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth prosecuted the case.

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