Attorney General James Uthmeier announces jury tampering charges tied to alleged bribery attempt in Tallahassee drug trafficking trial case

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida officials have announced new criminal charges in a case involving an alleged attempt to influence a jury in a major drug trafficking trial in the state capital, raising fresh concerns about interference with the justice system during active court proceedings.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said two Tallahassee residents are now facing prosecution after investigators determined they attempted to bribe a juror during an ongoing drug trafficking trial that later ended in convictions. The announcement was made in Tallahassee, where the underlying case was heard.

The individuals charged are Brad Gathers, 40, and Tanaya Harris, 24, both of Tallahassee. According to investigators, the pair allegedly tried to interfere with jury deliberations in a trial involving defendants connected to a drug trafficking operation. That trial concluded in November 2025, resulting in guilty verdicts for the defendants involved.

Authorities say the alleged misconduct unfolded while the trial was still in progress. Gathers is described by investigators as a close associate of two defendants in the underlying case, identified as Delmetrice Rogers and Lasonya Savage. During the proceedings, Gathers allegedly learned that his then-girlfriend, Harris, had a personal connection to one of the jurors dating back to childhood.

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Officials allege that Gathers and Harris used that connection to approach the juror and attempt to influence the outcome of the trial. Investigators say the pair offered the juror $10,000 in exchange for swaying the case in favor of the defendants.

The juror, however, refused the offer and immediately reported the incident to the court. Authorities said this quick action allowed the court to respond promptly, and the juror was later removed from the panel and replaced by an alternate juror to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.

Attorney General James Uthmeier strongly condemned the alleged conduct, emphasizing the seriousness of attempting to interfere with a criminal trial.

“Anyone who tries to undermine our justice system will find themselves behind bars,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Attempting to bribe a juror is beyond contempt, and I commend the juror in this case for upholding the law by immediately reporting this incident to the Court.”

Following an investigation, prosecutors charged Gathers with Tampering with a Court Official and Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official. Harris faces a charge of Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official.

Court records show that Judge Everett granted a pretrial detention motion filed by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, meaning Gathers will remain in custody while awaiting trial proceedings. Harris is also facing prosecution, though her detention status was not detailed in the announcement.

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If convicted on the most serious charges, Gathers could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in the Florida Department of Corrections. Harris faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

Officials said the case will be prosecuted by Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Guillermo Vallejo in the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida.

The announcement highlights the strict legal consequences tied to any attempt to interfere with jurors or court officials, especially in high-stakes criminal trials. Authorities say the integrity of the courtroom process depends heavily on jurors acting free from pressure, influence, or intimidation, making swift reporting and enforcement essential when such allegations arise.