Fifth Person Convicted In Case That Began After A Traffic Stop – Joshua Smith Guilty Of Trafficking In Fentanyl, Methamphetamine

BAY COUNTY, FL – Joshua A. Smith, the final defendant in a case that began with a traffic stop last year and led to five arrests on drug charges, was found guilty of trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine on Wednesday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Smith, 40, of Panama City, was found guilty of Trafficking in Fentanyl (between 14 grams and 28 grams), Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Sale of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark set sentencing for Jan. 22, where the State will be seeking an enhanced penalty under the Habitual Felony Offender statute.

The defendant had previously been to prison five times, with his most recent incarceration for drug trafficking. The defendant had been released from prison less than a year prior to being arrested in this case.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan called four witnesses, including two Panama City Police Department officers, and presented evidence that the defendant sold $150 worth of methamphetamine – about 14 grams - to a confidential informant on April 7, 2024. A short time after the monitored transaction was complete, Panama City police performed a probable cause stop of the defendant.

During a search of the defendant’s truck, police found “black magnetic box” stuck to the bottom of the vehicle. It contained about 67 grams of pressed fentanyl pills, 15 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, and the cash received from the confidential information. 

“Panama City police did a thorough investigation that ultimately led to several major drug dealers receiving significant prison time.” Sullivan said. “The result of this entire investigation kept hundreds of pressed fentanyl pills off the streets of our community.”

The case began April 4 when Alicia Ducker of Panama City was pulled over for a traffic violation and was found hiding fentanyl and methamphetamine in her underwear. She said she got the drugs from Anthony Polly, who lived nearby. Ducker pled to the charges against her and was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

Investigators next focused on Polly’s residence and obtained a search warrant. Waiting to serve it, they saw Polly exit his apartment and get into a truck driven by Willie Goldsmith for about 5 minutes.

Goldsmith was stopped for a traffic violation a short distance away and about 60 grams of fentanyl were found inside. Goldsmith pled to the charges against him and received a 20-year sentence.

Investigators then served the search warrant on Polly’s apartment and found about 78 grams of meth and 17 grams of fentanyl. Polly pled to his charges and received 15 years in prison. A second person in the residence, Andy Lee Rhodes, also pled and received a 2-year sentence.

Polly told police Smith sold him 20 of the fentanyl pills. Police then set up the April 7 methamphetamine buy from Smith that led to his arrest.

Basford thanked Panama City police for both their proactive work and ensuing investigation that led to multiple arrests and now convictions.