(Citrus County, FL) This week, 50-year-old Robert Paul Kowanko was sentenced to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after being found guilty by a jury back in March for trafficking illicit narcotics charges stemming from his 2023 arrest. Kowanko was convicted of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Kowanko was arrested in September 2023 after an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which uncovered his involvement in the sale of large quantities of methamphetamine in Citrus County. Following a controlled buy, officers approached Kowanko and his co-defendant, Sean Thomas Joyce, who were exiting a wooded area near US 19 in Crystal River.

Law enforcement detained Kowanko and Joyce and searched their vehicle, finding a clear baggie with a white powder, a digital scale, and hypodermic needles. Kowanko had another baggie with a similar substance, while Joyce was also found with narcotics. Field tests confirmed the substances were fentanyl and methamphetamine. Kowanko later admitted to selling the drugs after being read his Miranda rights.

Co-defendant Joyce pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The outcome of this case resulted from the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.

Published on 5/1/2025.