A scheme to rig a federal drug trafficking trial in Tallahassee completely fell apart after an honest juror blew the whistle on a $10,000 bribe attempt, leading to major felony charges against a local couple.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Brad Gathers, 40, and Tanaya Harris, 24, both of Tallahassee, are facing serious prison time for their alleged roles in attempting to sway the jury. Ironically, the November 2025 trial they tried to manipulate ended anyway with guilty convictions for both drug trafficking defendants, Delmetrice Rogers and Lasonya Savage.
“Anyone who tries to undermine our justice system will find themselves behind bars,” 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.”
According to investigators, Gathers was a close associate of the two defendants on trial. During the proceedings, Gathers realized that his girlfriend at the time, Harris, had grown up with one of the seated jurors.
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Authorities say the couple then reached out to the juror and offered her $10,000 cash to influence the verdict. Instead of taking the money, the juror immediately rejected the offer and notified court officials. She was quickly removed from the panel and replaced by an alternate juror so the trial could proceed.
Now, the alleged masterminds are facing the legal system themselves. Gathers is charged with Tampering with a Court Official and Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official. Judge Everett granted a pretrial detention motion from the Office of Statewide Prosecution, meaning Gathers will remain locked up while he awaits trial. Harris is charged with Conspiracy to Tamper with a Court Official.
The legal consequences for the failed plot are steep. If convicted on all charges, Gathers faces a maximum penalty of life in the Florida Department of Corrections, while Harris faces up to 15 years behind bars.
The case is being handled by Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Guillermo Vallejo in the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida.
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