Sarasota County, FL – A Sarasota County jury has convicted a man on a felony methamphetamine trafficking charge following a multi-unit investigation and jury trial, prosecutors announced this week.
According to the Sarasota County State Attorney’s Office, John Henry Chase was found guilty after a jury trial of trafficking in methamphetamine (28 grams or more). The crime occurred on January 3, 2023, and the trial concluded on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Sarasota County Courthouse.
Prosecutors said the conviction carries a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years in state prison, with a maximum possible sentence of up to 30 years. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Investigators testified that Chase was first observed by a detective with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Section in the parking lot of a Fairfield Inn on Jacaranda Boulevard. Authorities said Chase was seen interacting with a convicted methamphetamine trafficker before leaving the area in a black Mercedes.
Deputies later conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 75 near mile marker 210, where a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Prosecutors said the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Unit responded and conducted a search of both the vehicle and Chase, locating multiple bags containing a trafficking-level quantity of methamphetamine on his person.
During the trial, defense attorneys argued Chase was only temporarily holding the drugs for a female passenger. However, Assistant State Attorney Liana Whipple countered that evidence showed Chase knowingly purchased the drugs, concealed them on his body, and intended to sell a portion.
Lead prosecutor Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata praised the coordinated law enforcement effort, noting multiple sheriff’s office units were deployed quickly to prevent the drugs from being moved or concealed.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact the Sarasota County State Attorney’s Office at 941-861-4400.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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