Rayvaughn L. Andrews, 41, of Pensacola, has pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy charges for distributing cocaine and money laundering, according to John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Background
From 2021 until his arrest in late 2024, Andrews conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine that ended up on the streets of Escambia County. What distinguished this case was Andrews’ sophisticated money laundering operation—he used approximately $10 million in drug sale proceeds through casinos in Mississippi and Nevada to hide his illicit profits. According to Sunbiz, Vaughan was the registered agent for BIGG PLAY ENTERTAINMENT, LLC.
According to his Instagram profile, he is a Gulf Coast Concert & Club Promoter/Professional Sports Handicappeer. A second instagram account lists his winning bets on sports.
“Those who think they can profit and live lavish lifestyles off drug trafficking in the Northern District of Florida are sorely mistaken, and will soon find themselves in federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Heekin.
The investigation involved extensive collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Andrews faces up to life imprisonment and forfeiture of approximately $40,000 in cash and a Chevrolet Corvette seized during his arrest. Sentencing is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Sept. 23 before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the Pensacola federal courthouse.
Operation Take Back America
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations. The operation coordinates resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood programs.
The case demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling sophisticated drug trafficking networks that harm local communities. When dealers move kilogram quantities of cocaine, the impact extends beyond immediate transactions, contributing to addiction, violence, and community deterioration throughout the region.
The successful prosecution sends a clear message that complex criminal enterprises using multi-state money laundering schemes will face the full force of federal law enforcement, regardless of how sophisticated their operations appear.