TAMPA, FL – Avery Jones-Neal, 28, of Dunedin, Florida, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after being indicted on multiple charges related to cocaine distribution and illegal firearm possession, authorities announced Tuesday. The indictment alleges Jones-Neal peddled cocaine on three separate occasions in July 2023, and possessed the drug with intent to distribute on August 17th. But the charges don’t stop there – he was also found with a loaded weapon while already a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Jones-Neal allegedly distributed cocaine on July 25th, 26th, and 31st. On July 26th, he allegedly possessed a Walther, model Uzi, .22 caliber pistol. This isn’t Jones-Neal’s first brush with the law. His rap sheet includes five prior felony convictions – two for sale or delivery of cocaine, two for possession of cocaine, and one for sale of alprazolam. Federal law prohibits anyone with a felony conviction from owning firearms or ammunition.
The case was spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Clearwater Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman will lead the prosecution, aiming to secure a conviction that reflects the severity of the alleged crimes and Jones-Neal’s extensive criminal history. Investigators say the evidence strongly suggests a pattern of drug dealing, compounded by the dangerous addition of an illegal firearm.
If convicted on the narcotics charges, Jones-Neal could face up to 20 years in prison per count. The firearm charge carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, potentially extending to life behind bars. The combined potential sentence could keep Jones-Neal incarcerated for decades, if not for the rest of his life. This case highlights the ATF’s continued focus on dismantling drug trafficking operations and removing illegal weapons from the streets.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg emphasized that the indictment is merely an accusation, and Jones-Neal is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the charges are part of a broader initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.
PSN, relaunched in 2021, prioritizes building trust with communities, supporting violence prevention programs, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts. This case, officials say, exemplifies the program’s commitment to making neighborhoods safer by removing dangerous individuals and disrupting criminal activity. The investigation continues, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the federal court system.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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