Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Chauncey Gregory (33, St. Petersburg) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Gregory pleaded guilty on February 6, 2018.
According to court documents, Gregory was an illegal narcotics dealer in a residential neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida. On Aug. 24, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gregory’s residence. As they arrived, one of Gregory’s “customers" was at the home to make a purchase from him. During the search, law enforcement recovered approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, 8.5 ounces of ecstasy, 15.5 grams of crack cocaine, 743 grams of marijuana; a cocaine press, a narcotics scale, drug baggies, cash, and a loaded.38 caliber revolver, which was next to Gregory’s passport.
As a previously convicted felon, Gregory is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
While on pretrial release, Gregory attempted to retaliate against the law enforcement officers who investigated the case against him. His bond was then revoked. The court granted the government’s motion for a substantial upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, an additional 7 ½ years, to reflect the seriousness of his offense and his post-arrest retaliation attempt.
“Putting this major local drug supplier behind bars for 17 plus years significantly reduces the drug supply on the street," said St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway. "It also sends a message to criminals that retaliation against law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to ensure the quality of life for our residents will not be tolerated."
"We will continue to adapt to the challenges that today’s technology can pose when fighting violent crime," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary, “particularly when it pertains to retaliation against another law enforcement partner."
This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas N. Palermo and Diego F. Novaes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
