Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to More Than 13 Years

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell today sentenced Carlos Sanchez (29, Lakeland) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on December 1, 2014.

According to court documents, on March 9, 2014, officers from the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) were dispatched to the Best Motel in Lakeland, where Sanchez had reportedly pointed a firearm at someone. After making contact with Sanchez, an LPD canine alerted to an odor of narcotics on the exterior of his car. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a loaded Smith and Wesson .357 caliber revolver and more than 134 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Sanchez was previously convicted of multiple felonies in Polk County. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray. It is another example of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crimes in communities.