PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Mary Esther man is facing multiple federal charges after a grand jury indictment tied to fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.

Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that 52-year-old Scott D. Oranje of Mary Esther was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Oranje appeared for arraignment in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola. His jury trial is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

If convicted, Oranje faces significant prison time. Prosecutors say the fentanyl charge carries a possible sentence of five to 40 years, the firearm charge tied to drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, and the felon-in-possession charge carries up to 15 years in prison.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.

Federal officials said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime, drug trafficking, and organized criminal activity.

Authorities emphasized that an indictment is an allegation and that Oranje is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.