AG Uthmeier Secures Sentences for Fentanyl Trafficking

FL Attorney General News Releases

Filed March 24th, 2026

Detected March 25th, 2026

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the sentencing of Renee and Vincent Stephens to 60 and 30 years in prison, respectively, for fentanyl trafficking in Hillsborough County. The couple operated a drug trafficking scheme, with Vincent directing activities from prison and Renee selling fentanyl from their apartment where a child was present.

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What changed

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has secured significant prison sentences for Renee and Vincent Stephens, who were convicted of fentanyl trafficking. Renee received a 60-year sentence, and Vincent received a 30-year sentence, to be served consecutively with his existing 20-year sentence. The operation involved Vincent directing drug deals from prison via Facebook, while Renee sold fentanyl from their home in the presence of a child. Controlled buys and a search warrant uncovered fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of the trafficking operation.

This enforcement action highlights the severe penalties for drug trafficking, particularly when involving children or occurring while incarcerated. Regulated entities, especially those in logistics or financial services that might inadvertently facilitate such activities, should ensure robust compliance measures are in place to detect and report suspicious transactions. While no direct compliance actions are mandated for these entities by this news release, it serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for criminal activity and the importance of vigilance in preventing the distribution of illicit substances.

What to do next

Review internal controls for potential links to illicit activities.
Ensure compliance with all state and federal drug trafficking laws.

Penalties

60-year prison sentence for Renee Stephens; 30-year prison sentence for Vincent Stephens, served consecutively with his existing 20-year sentence.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures 60-Year and 30-Year Prison Sentences for Hillsborough Couple in Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme

View PDF Release Date Mar 24, 2026 Contact Communications Phone (850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced 60-year and 30-year prison sentences for Renee and Vincent Stephens for fentanyl trafficking in Hillsborough County.

“This couple was not only profiting from pushing poison into our communities, but they were also doing it in the presence of a young, vulnerable child,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “These drug traffickers have proven multiple times that they have no regard for the law. I am grateful to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Luis Aguila and Gianna Fina for ensuring they will spend a very long time behind bars.”

At the time of the operation, Vincent Stephens was incarcerated, serving a 20-year sentence on prior trafficking and firearm charges. While in prison, Vincent connected Renee with another inmate and directed the trafficking activity. Renee sold fentanyl from her apartment, where her young child was present during several drug deals.

In October and November 2023, a confidential informant and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted three controlled fentanyl purchases from Renee Stephens. During two of these deals, Renee communicated by phone with Vincent, who was directing the transactions from prison.

FDLE executed a search warrant at Renee Stephens’ apartment on December 11, 2023, and found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, including scales and a kilo press.

Investigators discovered that Vincent Stephens used Facebook to coordinate drug deals from prison.

In January 2026, Renee Stephens was convicted of Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (28 grams or more), 2 counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl (4 grams to 14 grams), 3 counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device, 3 counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Vincent Stephens was convicted of Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (28 grams or more).

The Stephens will serve their respective sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections. Vincent will serve his sentence consecutively with the 20-year sentence he is currently serving.

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