“Armed Career Criminal” Receives 20 Years Behind Bars in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking, Weapons Possession
A 41-year-old Tallahassee man was recently sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearm charges. In July 2020, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office made two controlled purchases of cocaine from the defendant which led to a search warrant executed on his apartment. During the execution of the search warrant on Aug. 11, 2020, officers recovered six firearms, over 50 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia associated with the sale of narcotics such as scales and baggies, and approximately $5,925 in cash. The suspect was initially arrested on state charges and was placed on pretrial release. The Leon County Sheriff’s Department conducted another controlled purchase of cocaine from the defendant on Oct. 13, 2020, and obtained a second search warrant for his apartment.
During the execution of the second search warrant on Oct. 30, 2020, the Leon County Sheriff’s Department found various calibers of ammunition, a small amount of cocaine, and scales and baggies. Police also found approximately 6 grams of cocaine individually packaged in 25 baggies in the defendant’s car, and over $900 in his pants pocket.
The defendant pled guilty to:
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
- Two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
The defendant qualified for enhanced penalties as an Armed Career Criminal because of prior convictions for armed robbery with a deadly weapon and two counts of sale of cocaine. The defendant will face 6 years of supervised release after the completion of his prison term.
Federal armed career criminal statute
The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) of 1985 imposes a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison on anyone with at least three previous violent felonies or serious drug offenses who illegally possesses a firearm. It is essentially similar to a “three strikes” law. The statute was designed to deter and punish individuals who committed multiple crimes or were considered “career criminals.”
The ACCA has no time restriction on which past offenses qualify under the state. Three offenses can result from concurrent sentences. In other words, just because you served time concurrently, it doesn’t mean that you don’t qualify under the ACCA as an “armed career criminal.” An individual can be subject to the mandatory minimum sentence provided by the ACCA even if they only spent one period of time in prison. On the other hand, multiple charges stemming from the same criminal action are insufficient to satisfy the three convictions requirement.
Talk to a Tallahassee, FL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Luke Newman, P.A. represents the interests of those who have been charged with drug crimes under federal law. Federal law is complex and if you are facing federal charges, you will need an attorney who is well-versed in trying cases in federal court. Call our Tallahassee criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/924
