TAMPA, Fla. — A St. Petersburg man is facing federal drug and firearms charges after investigators say a 1-year-old child overdosed on fentanyl while in his care.
Rayshawn Smith, 31, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Federal prosecutors said Smith could face up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
According to the complaint, investigators say Smith sold methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs to a confidential informant between May 2025 and January 2026.
Prosecutors allege that on Nov. 13, 2025, a 1-year-old child ingested fentanyl while in Smith’s sole care, causing an overdose that required emergency treatment and life-saving measures at a hospital.
Authorities said agents later executed a search warrant Jan. 14 at Smith’s residence, where they found drugs, firearms and drug paraphernalia.
Investigators said Smith was arrested separately in a vehicle, where officers also recovered additional drugs and packaging materials.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Federal charges filed through a criminal complaint are allegations, and the case will proceed through federal court.
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