Crawford, who has at least 49 prior convictions, was sentenced for trafficking drugs, cell phones, razor blades and other contraband into Florida Department of Corrections facilities between 2022 and 2023. On March 12, 2026, a jury in Escambia County found Crawford guilty on all counts, including introduction of contraband at state facilities, conspiracy, trafficking in over 10 grams of cathinone, illegal use of a drone, and use of communication devices to facilitate felonies.
"Trafficking drugs and razor blades into our prisons puts the lives of Florida's corrections officers at risk, and that risk is not something we are going to tolerate," said Attorney General Uthmeier. "Someone with 49 prior convictions for dangerous crimes should've never been allowed to walk free again, but my office is cracking down on career criminals, and he will spend the rest of his life behind bars."
The investigation began on September 22, 2022, when officers at Century Correctional Institute discovered a crashed drone carrying a package of contraband including cell phones, SIM cards, charging cords, tobacco, cocaine, methamphetamines, and razor blades. Investigators worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to trace the drone's ownership back to Crawford, leading to his arrest in March 2023. The investigation revealed additional drone deliveries at Liberty Correctional Institute and Okaloosa Correctional Institute that also traced back to Crawford.
Crawford's case highlights the growing security threat posed by drone-delivered contraband at correctional facilities across Florida. His extensive criminal history includes convictions for armed burglary, grand theft, various weapons charges, fraud, and trafficking in stolen property, establishing a pattern of escalating criminal behavior that prosecutors argued warranted the lengthy sentence.
"The criminal use of drones is a growing crisis that demands immediate action if we want to keep our officers and institutions safe," said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. "The impact of eliminating these threats cannot be overstated, and Florida will continue to lead when it comes to drone mitigation and contraband prevention."
The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Brian Fernandes and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Guillermo Vallejo in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Crawford will serve his 81-year sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections, effectively ensuring he remains incarcerated for the remainder of his natural life given his age and the length of the sentence.