2 Fentanyl Traffickers Sent To Prison After Tampa Police Investigation

TAMPA, FL — An investigation that began in the summer of 2021 has led to a prison sentence for two people for selling fentanyl.

Tampa police officers began a narcotics investigation in the 5000 block of West Ingraham Street after residents alerted the department that James McAvoy, who was on parole for second-degree murder, was reportedly selling large amounts of heroin and fentanyl in the South Tampa area.

Officers began surveillance in the area, and on Aug. 26, 2021, spotted a white Ford F150 pickup truck registered to McAvoy, whose license was suspended. He was seen getting into the truck with a woman passenger.

Police stopped McAvoy and arrested him for violating his parole by driving on a suspended license. After the arrest, officers searched the truck and found heroin and Dilaudid, an opioid, in the front seat, according to the police report.

An additional 35.5 grams of heroin was found on the passenger, Elizabeth Shirley, who was also arrested and charged.

On Jan. 17, 2023, McAvoy pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl and was sentenced to 11 years in Florida State Prison, followed by 10 years of probation.

On Jan. 25, 2023, Shirley pleaded guilty to trafficking in illegal drugs and was sentenced to four years of probation.

"This is another example that shows in Tampa, we are safe together. As a result of this successful investigation and prosecution, many lives have undoubtedly been saved from becoming another statistic of opioid abuse and overdose," said interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw in a statement. "We appreciate that tips from our community launched this investigation, skill and dedicated investigation by our officers led to the apprehension and arrest of the suspects, and the devoted work of our partners in the state attorney's office resulted in a successful prosecution in this case."

"Our attorneys analyzed every detail in this investigation and developed additional witness testimony for trial that ultimately resulted in these guilty pleas," said State Attorney Susan S. Lopez in a news release. "We are proud to work with the brave men and women of TPD who put themselves in harm's way every day to ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable."