SARASOTA, FL – Clinton Justesen, 48, of Sebring, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after admitting to possessing firearms despite a lengthy rap sheet and distributing methamphetamine in Sarasota County. Justesen pleaded guilty this week to both possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, charges that carry a combined maximum penalty of 35 years behind bars.
The bust went down September 9, 2022, when Sarasota Sheriff’s deputies pulled over a truck driven by Justesen at the intersection of Williamsburg Street and North Lockwood Ridge Road. Deputies quickly discovered the vehicle was hauling more than just cargo; it was carrying a stolen motorcycle reported missing August 23, 2022. A subsequent search of the truck and trailer revealed a disturbing cache of weaponry and narcotics.
Authorities seized a HS Produkt XD9 9mm pistol, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9mm pistol, and a particularly concerning Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223/5.56mm caliber rifle, complete with a vertical foregrip. Alongside the firearms, officers found hundreds of rounds of ammunition, approximately 12.6 grams of methamphetamine, a vacuum sealer, a digital scale, an assortment of unidentified pills and tablets, and a staggering $12,000 in cash. The scene painted a clear picture of a well-equipped drug operation.
Justesen’s criminal history is extensive. He’s previously been convicted of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, armed robbery, and – crucially – prior possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition, a rule Justesen flagrantly ignored. During questioning, Justesen admitted to selling narcotics and stated he kept the firearms for “protection” during his drug dealing activities.
The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee leading the prosecution. Federal officials are framing the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through increased collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.
While a sentencing date has not yet been set, Justesen now awaits his fate. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm charge and an additional 20 years for the methamphetamine distribution charge. The outcome will likely serve as a warning to other criminals operating in the Sarasota area: bringing guns and drugs into the county comes with a high price.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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