Brevard Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Meth, Fentanyl and Firearm Offenses

Quentes Durrelle Simpson, 33, of Melbourne sentenced after federal jury found him guilty last October

OFFICIALS: Simpson had a significant criminal history that included multiple felony convictions

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — A Melbourne man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges stemming from a multi-agency investigation in Brevard County, federal prosecutors announced.

Quentes Durrelle Simpson, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger after a federal jury found him guilty on Oct. 23, 2025, of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Simpson to forfeit firearms and ammunition used in the offenses, along with $600 identified as proceeds from drug distribution.

United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the sentence.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Palm Bay Police Department utilized a confidential source to conduct two controlled drug purchases from Simpson at his residence.

Those transactions resulted in the acquisition of more than 220 grams of pure methamphetamine and approximately 7 grams of fentanyl.

Following the controlled buys, investigators executed a search warrant at Simpson’s home. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered more than 700 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 46 grams of fentanyl, more than 40 grams of cocaine, drug processing materials, two loaded firearms, a loaded drum magazine, and more than $36,000 in cash.

At the time of the search, Simpson had a significant criminal history that included multiple felony convictions, authorities said.

His prior convictions included carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Under federal law, individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Melbourne Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman, with forfeiture proceedings handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.

Federal officials noted that the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies along with community partners to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

The Department of Justice strengthened the program in May 2021 by focusing on building community trust, supporting violence prevention efforts, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes to improve public safety.

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