Panama City Beach felon sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for fentanyl, gun charges

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A 44-year-old Panama City Beach man has been sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges.

Joseph Primus Gainer pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.

Court records show law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gainer’s home in Panama City during a joint investigation. Investigators found fentanyl tablets, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded Taurus 9-millimeter handgun.

Authorities noted Gainer has multiple prior felony convictions dating back to 2005, including possession of controlled substances and felon in possession of a firearm, legally barring him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

“When you’re pushing poison into our communities, you can expect us to push back. This case is a testament to the strength of our local and federal law enforcement partnerships and our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable,” Panama City Beach Police Chief Eusebio Talamentez Jr. said.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, and the Panama City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric K. Mountin prosecuted the case.

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