TAVARES, Fla. — A judge has sentenced a Tavares man to life in prison for selling drugs and using a child to help.
Michael Allen Reams, 44, was convicted of multiple drug-related charges and child neglect in June. Those drug charges included trafficking in heroin 28 grams or more, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl 28 grams or more, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of a place for trafficking/sale of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a two-way device and possession of paraphernalia.
The state attorney’s office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit described Reams as a “registered sexual predator and habitual felony offender,” saying he had various amounts of illegal drugs for sale in his residence.
Prosecutors say his arrest followed an investigation into drug sales linked to a traffic stop in July 2021. This led to a search warrant execution at his home in August 2021.
Prosecutors say illegal drugs and cellphones were found in the home, as well as paraphernalia consistent with drug sales.
The state attorney’s office says a woman and child were also in the home, and that Reams used the child to carry bags of drugs, including fentanyl.
Reams represented himself at trial.
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