Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge James Whittemore sentenced Anton Hernandez (32, Tampa) yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. A federal jury found Hernandez guilty on Sept. 13, 2012.
According to court documents and facts revealed at trial, on September 6, 2009, Hernandez delivered crack cocaine to undercover Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputies. Hernandez had brought his then five-year old child with him to the drug deal. Hernandez was arrested on state narcotics charges. While out on bond, on Dec. 21, 2009, Hernandez delivered additional crack cocaine to undercover HCSO Deputies. Hernandez then became a fugitive for almost two years. On August 5, 2011, HCSO Deputies tracked Hernandez down and caught him with an additional 36.1 grams of crack cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Hernandez had twenty-one prior criminal convictions, including five cocaine delivery-related felonies.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
