Michael Jerome Patterson Charged with Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Illegal Firearms Charges
Roanoke, VIRGINIA - Michael Jerome Patterson, 37, of Roanoke Va., was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed with the court yesterday with a series of charges related to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges were announced today by United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen.
The criminal complaint charges Patterson, who is currently on federal supervised release for a previous conviction, with one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Despite the unprecedented and challenging circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, we are totally committed to protecting the public and enforcing federal law," said U.S. Attorney Cullen. “I am particularly grateful for the dedication and bravery of our agents and local police officers who continue to do this critical work while risking their own health and well-being."
According to court documents, the alleged criminal activity occurred on or about November 8, 2019 in Salem, Virginia.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, and the City of Roanoke Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Jones is prosecuting the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
