Pensacola Man Admits Guilt in Multi-Million Dollar Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Case
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – In a dramatic turn of events, Rayvaughn L. Andrews, a 41-year-old resident of Pensacola, has pled guilty in federal court to serious charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine, alongside money laundering offenses. This revelation was made public by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The Unraveling of a Drug Empire
U.S. Attorney Heekin made a compelling statement: “Those who believe they can profit from drug trafficking in the Northern District of Florida are sorely mistaken. They will find themselves behind bars.” With a commitment akin to that of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to reclaim American communities, Heekin emphasized the relentless pursuit of drug traffickers, aiming to hold accountable those who inundate neighborhoods with danger.
The Operations and Impact
From 2023 until his arrest at the end of 2024, Andrews orchestrated a conspiracy involving significant quantities of cocaine, distributing it across state lines. The shocking volume of this illicit trade included kilogram “brick” quantities of cocaine that made their way to the streets of Escambia County, Florida. More troubling was how Andrews funneled the drug profits: he laundered about $10 million through various casinos in Mississippi and Nevada.
Legal Consequences Awaiting Andrews
Andrews faces a grim future, with the possibility of life imprisonment looming over him, along with the forfeiture of around $40,000 in cash and a flashy Chevrolet Corvette, seized during his arrest.
A Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort
The successful prosecution of this case stands as a testament to the dedication of multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation involved a cooperative effort from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being pursued vigorously by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
What Comes Next?
Sentencing is set for September 23, 2025, at 9:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, presided over by United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
Operation Take Back America: A Broader Initiative
Andrews’ case is a significant component of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative designed to leverage the full capabilities of the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and dismantle drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. More about this initiative can be found here.
Additional Resources
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit their official website here. You can access public court documents through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
This case sends a powerful message: the days of profiting from crime in Florida are numbered, and law enforcement stands vigilant in their mission to protect the community.
