Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the return of an indictment charging Emir Peron (31,Seffner) and Roger Gary Driggers (60, Lakeland) with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Peron also faces three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Peron and Driggers each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. If convicted, Peron also faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 55 years in federal prison on each of the firearm counts. The indictment also notifies Peron that the United States intends to forfeit six firearms which were seized during the course of the investigation. Peron and Driggers were indicted on Feb. 13, 2013. The arraignment hearing was held today.
According to the indictment, from an unknown date and continuing until approximately Jan. 29, 2013, in Hillsborough County, Peron and Driggers conspired with each other and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to a criminal complaint filed earlier in the case, Peron also sold guns to an undercover agent, including a Saiga semi-automatic assault rifle, an M-11 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and a.357 magnum revolver, in addition to quantities of crystal methamphetamine.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
