WINTER HAVEN, FL — A Winter Haven man whose federal prison sentence was commuted earlier this year has been arrested again, this time on multiple drug trafficking charges following an undercover investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives launched an investigation in June 2026 after receiving information that 42-year-old Antonie “Tony” Delynn Latimore was selling illegal narcotics in Polk County.
During the investigation, undercover detectives arranged two separate purchases of 100 fentanyl pills and 100 MDMA (Ecstasy) pills from Latimore in June. In July, investigators said Latimore asked the undercover detectives if they knew anyone selling cocaine so he could buy a large quantity and resell it. Detectives then arranged a transaction involving three kilograms of cocaine for July 29.
According to investigators, Latimore offered his customized 1983 Buick, valued at more than $80,000 because of extensive upgrades including custom rims, an audio system, and other modifications, as collateral for the cocaine purchase.
Latimore was arrested on July 31 in Winter Haven. He is charged with trafficking in fentanyl over 14 grams, trafficking in MDMA over 10 grams, maintaining a vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Sheriff’s Office said Latimore was previously arrested in 2019 during a joint undercover investigation involving the FBI, DEA, and Florida Highway Patrol after selling crack cocaine to a confidential source. He later pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison. His sentence was later commuted, resulting in his release on July 16, 2026, under an executive grant of clemency signed by President Joe Biden that took effect on Jan. 17, 2025.
Sheriff Grady Judd criticized the commutation, saying Latimore admitted to detectives he sold drugs “from time to time to make money.” Judd argued the suspect should have remained in federal prison and said the case demonstrates the dangers posed by repeat drug traffickers returning to the community.
