Armed Dealer Carlos Sanchez Sentenced to Over 13 Years for Methamphetamine Distribution

Tampa, FL – The grimy streets of Lakeland have been hit with a heavy sentence for Carlos Sanchez (29), who was today slammed with 13 years and 4 months in federal prison. This comes after the intrepid efforts of the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) and the ATF.

Sanchez, a repeat offender with a rap sheet as long as his arm, found himself before U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell for an array of serious charges: possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on December 1, 2014.

Back on March 9, 2014, the LPD was called to the Best Motel where Sanchez had reportedly aimed his gun at someone. When they arrived, an LPD canine sniffed out the scent of narcotics on his ride—a loaded Smith and Wesson .357 caliber revolver and over 134 grams of crystal methamphetamine were found in the car.

Sanchez’s previous convictions in Polk County meant he was already banned from owning firearms under federal law. This conviction piles on more iron to his sentence, making it all but impossible for him to walk the streets again.

The ATF and LPD have been hard at work on this case, which is part of their Frontline strategy aimed at quelling violent crime in the community. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray prosecuted the case with tenacity, ensuring justice was served.