Tallahassee Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Methamphetamine Distribution

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Tedrick Childs, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 15, 2026 to distribution of cocaine and distribution of methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The charges cover Childs' role in trafficking both substances within the Tallahassee area. Under federal sentencing guidelines, distribution of cocaine carries a statutory range of up to 20 years in prison per count while distribution of methamphetamine carries identical maximum penalties; the counts may be grouped for sentencing.

The plea agreement, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, establishes factual admission to the conduct described in the original indictment.

Childs now faces a presentence investigation report that will calculate his exact guideline range, including any enhancements for quantity of drugs distributed or prior criminal history. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The guilty plea resolves the two distribution counts against him and eliminates the need for a trial that would have required testimony from co-conspirators or undercover agents involved in the investigation.

Downstream, the conviction activates federal asset-forfeiture proceedings tied to the trafficking operation and requires the U.S. Probation Office to prepare a detailed report for the judge within the next 60 to 90 days. The Bureau of Prisons will later designate Childs to a facility once the final sentence is imposed.

The case forms one prosecution within the broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida to target mid-level distributors supplying the Tallahassee market.

This marks the latest federal narcotics conviction secured in the Northern District of Florida in 2026. The Department of Justice release lists no co-defendants in the announcement of Childs’ plea.