Panama City Beach man indicted in federal court on gun and drug charges

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Panama City Beach man has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

John P. Heekin, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced charges against Joseph Primus Gainer, 44.

Gainer appeared before Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida, for his arraignment.

A jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 24, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Trial will take place before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Gainer faces enhanced penalties of up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the drug count due to a prior drug trafficking conviction and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the firearm count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department and the Panama City Police Department, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting the case.

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