Man Serving Florida Prison Sentence on Oklahoma DOC Detainer
A man serving a four-year prison sentence for firearm and drug charges out of Alachua County, Samuel Joseph Mantone IV, 27, has been placed under a detainer by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
On September 25, 2025, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Mantone on gun and drug charges. Deputy William Baker reported, “Before deputies searched the defendant, he advised that he had a gun on him and that it was in his front waistband. The gun was concealed and had one round in the chamber, making it readily accessible. The gun also had rounds in the inserted magazine. The defendant had 3 apple-seed baggies of a substance that field tested presumptive positive for methamphetamines. Those 3 apple-seed baggies had total package weights of approximately 2.3 grams, 0.8 grams, and 0.8 grams. The defendant also had 4 apple-seed baggies of marijuana. Those 4 apple-seed baggies had total package weights of approximately 1.1 grams, 1.1 grams, 1.0 grams, and 1.4 grams. The defendant also had two lighters and a ‘meth pipe.’ These items were all found on the defendant's person.”
Mantone has a prior conviction in Oklahoma for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the arrest report states.
The arrest report states Mantone has “multiple warrants out of Oklahoma for [the] use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and trafficking narcotics.”
Oklahoma court records show Mantone previously pleaded guilty to domestic assault & battery.
Court records show additional priors for grand theft and burglary.
As his case was proceeding, Mantone and his wife both wrote letters to the court pleading to allow him to enter drug court. Mantone referred to his criminal background as “the consequences of poor decision making in the midst of addiction.”
Mantone said he came to Florida with his wife “hoping to escape the troubles of” his past. He wrote, "Unfortunately, I am learning that no matter where I go, until my addictions and mental health issues are dealt with, trouble will follow me.” Mantone added that he needed "treatment for [his] addictions, not punishment.”
Some of Mantone’s initial charges were dropped. On March 5, 2026, he was sentenced to four years in prison and convicted on the charges of possessing a weapon or ammo as a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession and/or use of drug equipment. Facing up to 20 years in prison, Mantone took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge James Colaw.
On March 18, 2026, Mantone was officially placed in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The following day, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections placed him under a detainer.
Mantone is currently housed at the FDC Reception and Medical Center awaiting transportation to a permanent facility.
