Crime & Safety
Hernando County, FL Fentanyl Trafficking Verdict in Just 12 Minutes
Brooksville, FL – A Hernando County jury took just over 12 minutes to convict a 47 year old man in a fentanyl trafficking case involving more than 56 grams of the powerful synthetic opioid, leaving hi
By Miles Carter · 2026-11-04T20:31:26.616Z
Brooksville, FL – A Hernando County jury took just over 12 minutes to convict a 47 year old man in a fentanyl trafficking case involving more than 56 grams of the powerful synthetic opioid, leaving him facing a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
According to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, Robert James Wright Jr. was found guilty Monday, Nov. 2, of trafficking fentanyl and possession of paraphernalia.
Wright's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m.
Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl Discovery
The case began in July 2025 when Hernando County sheriff 's deputies stopped a vehicle for a broken taillight.
Wright was a passenger in the vehicle.
Authorities reported observing signs of impairment involving both occupants and said Wright was not wearing his seat belt.
During a consensual search, deputies discovered a pill bottle and digital scale in Wright's front pocket.
Investigators determined the pills contained alprazolam and were packaged in a manner consistent with illegal drug sales.
Deputies Discover 56.3 Grams at Jail
After Wright was transported to the Hernando County Detention Facility, detention deputies discovered additional concealed plastic baggies containing a white and pink powder.
Testing confirmed the substance was fentanyl, with a combined weight of 56.3 grams, according to prosecutors.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lyndsey Pruett and Kasey Whitson.
Minimum 25 Year Sentence Ahead
Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, noting that even small amounts can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and death.
The conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Wright's final sentence will be determined during his December hearing.
The verdict concludes the trial phase of a case that began with a routine traffic stop more than a year earlier.