Christopher Powell was sentenced this week to life in prison after being convicted in the Tampa federal court of felony drug charges relating to the possession and distribution of marijuana and cocaine. Powell, from Pinellas County, was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Powell was indicted last year and charged with conspiracy to distribute the drug, along with two other men. He was found guilty after a federal jury trial in Tampa last December.

Federal law provides that if any person commits a felony drug violation after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense, that person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of life imprisonment. Powell had three prior drug felonies – possession of cocaine, sale of controlled substance and possession of marijuana with intent to sell – dating back to 1995. Thus, the life sentence for a felony drug charge.

Federal law enforcement, including the U.S. Attorney’s office in Tampa, is clearly not showing any leniency to repeat drug offenders. Powell will almost certainly appeal. Just a cursory glance at the record reveals that there are potential appealable issues related to Powell’s statements. His criminal defense attorney will likely focus any appeal on those statements.

During the narcotics investigation, law enforcement seized $85,000 in cash from Powell’s safe deposit box. The money and Powell’s firearms were forfeited to the government after guilty verdict.

Drug Charges, Felonies

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 29th, 2009 at 8:49 am and is filed under Florida Criminal Law News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.