Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that on Oct. 10, 2013, a federal jury today found Charlie Vernon, Jr. (Tampa, 53) guilty of possessing with the intent to distribute more than an ounce of crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Vernon faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2014. Vernon was indicted on Feb. 28, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, officers from the Tampa Police Department executed a search warrant at Vernon’s residence on Feb. 1, 2013. They recovered two ounces of crack cocaine, various quantities of powder cocaine and marijuana, and paraphernalia to package and distribute those drugs, including scales, baggies, crack pipes, and cutting instruments. In addition, officers also found four firearms and more than 800 rounds of ammunition. Prior to February 2013, Vernon had previously been convicted of three felonies for drug trafficking offenses and, as such, was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Jackson and Natalie Adams.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
