Sanford Felon Convicted of Firearm and Drug Offenses

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Eugene Chisolm (57, Sanford) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”) with the intent to distribute it. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison on the firearm count, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the drug count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 19, 2015. Chisolm was indicted on December 19, 2014.

According to evidence presented at trial, on March 13, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Chisolm’s residence in Sanford. During the search, agents recovered drug-trafficking quantities of crack cocaine and cocaine, along with digital scales and other equipment that had recently been used to manufacture the crack cocaine. Agents also recovered a loaded Smith and Wesson.40 caliber pistol. Chisolm was subsequently arrested and interviewed by agents. He admitted that he lived at the residence and that he had sold crack from there.

Prior to this incident, Chisolm had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery, burglary, battery on a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, City County Investigative Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.

This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy.  United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Regina Lombardo, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is another example of ATF’s Frontline Strategy to impact violent crime within our communities.