United States of America v. Austin James McCastler, II

Pensacola, Florida, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession and distribution of meth, fentanyl, marijuana and felony possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Austin James McCastler, II, age 36, was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, assault with a deadly weapon of a Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

McCastler was found guilty in a jury trial. Trial testimony and court documents revealed that, after undercover law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from McCastler’s Pensacola residence on two occasions, a warrant was obtained to search for and seize illicit narcotics from his home. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement attempted to execute the lawful warrant, but McCastler refused to comply with commands to surrender, instead arming and barricading himself in the home. As law enforcement surrounded the residence, McCastler opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, including shooting at a DEA Special Agent. McCastler then fled from the residence in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize McCastler’s vehicle. McCastler then tried to flee on foot, but law enforcement captured him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic rifle and two spent casings from the shots fired by McCastler, a second firearm, dozens of rounds of ammunition, fentanyl, and marijuana.

BOP total term of 360 months, Supervised Release 4 years, Fine waived, Total SMA $800,