Florida prosecutors say $10,000 bribery scheme targeted juror during major drug trafficking trial

Tallahassee, Florida – A failed attempt to secretly influence the outcome of a major Florida drug trafficking trial has now turned into a criminal case of its own, with two Tallahassee residents accused of trying to buy a juror’s vote with a staggering $10,000 cash offer.

Florida authorities say the alleged scheme unfolded during a high-profile drug trafficking trial that concluded in November 2025, ultimately ending with guilty verdicts against the defendants. But behind the scenes, investigators claim there was a desperate effort to interfere with the judicial process before the case reached its conclusion.

According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, 40-year-old Brad Gathers and 24-year-old Tanaya Harris are now facing criminal charges tied to what prosecutors describe as an organized attempt to influence a seated juror.

Investigators say Gathers had close ties to the defendants in the original drug trafficking case, Delmetrice Rogers and Lasonya Savage. As the trial was unfolding inside the courtroom, authorities allege Gathers discovered that Harris — who was reportedly his girlfriend at the time — had known one of the jurors since childhood.

That personal connection, prosecutors say, became the foundation of the alleged bribery plot.

Authorities claim Harris and Gathers contacted the juror and offered her $10,000 in exchange for helping sway the verdict in favor of the defense. The alleged offer immediately raised alarms.

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Instead of accepting the money or remaining silent, the juror reportedly rejected the proposal and alerted court officials about what had happened. Officials quickly removed the juror from the panel to avoid any concerns about the integrity of the trial. An alternate juror was then seated, allowing proceedings to continue uninterrupted until guilty verdicts were eventually returned against Rogers and Savage.

The case has drawn sharp reactions from state officials, who described the alleged conduct as a direct attack on the justice system itself.

“Anyone who tries to undermine our justice system will find themselves behind bars,” Attorney General Uthmeier said in a statement. “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.”

Court records show the consequences facing the two defendants could be severe if prosecutors secure convictions.

Gathers has been charged with Tampering with a Court Official and Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official. Prosecutors with the Office of Statewide Prosecution successfully requested pretrial detention, and Judge Everett approved the motion. As a result, Gathers will remain in custody without bond while awaiting further court proceedings.

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Harris faces a charge of Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official.

Under Florida law, the potential prison sentences are significant. Prosecutors say Gathers could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on all counts tied to the alleged scheme. Harris, meanwhile, faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years behind bars.

The allegations have once again highlighted the enormous pressure surrounding major criminal trials and the lengths some individuals may allegedly attempt to go in hopes of changing an outcome. Yet officials also pointed to the juror’s response as an example of the safeguards built into the legal system.

By quickly reporting the incident, the juror helped authorities intervene before any disruption could impact the verdict. The swift replacement of the juror with an alternate also ensured the trial continued without delay.

The upcoming proceedings against Gathers and Harris are expected to unfold in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Guillermo Vallejo will handle the prosecution as the state moves forward with the case.

For now, what allegedly began as a quiet attempt to influence a courtroom decision has transformed into a separate criminal prosecution carrying life-altering consequences of its own.