Two Pensacola residents, Ronald Dale White, 39, and Darius Rafael Whisler, 33, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to methamphetamine distribution. The indictment alleges conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Both men also face multiple counts of distributing the drug. Additionally, Ronald White is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to an announcement from John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Whisler was arraigned in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on August 26, 2025. White was arraigned before Judge Cannon on August 28, 2025. Their trial is set for October 6, 2025, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola.
If found guilty, both defendants could face up to life imprisonment.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial,” stated officials.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), which coordinates resources from various Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to combat illegal immigration and organized crime activities nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida operates as one of 94 offices representing the Department of Justice under the direction of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Additional information about this office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
