Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm Charges
A career criminal in Tampa has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Derrick Bernard Farmer (40, Tampa) faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison for his crimes.
According to the plea agreement, during January 2016, Farmer served as the crack cocaine source for two individuals who then sold the drugs to an undercover detective. On February 3, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Farmer’s apartment in Tampa and found crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and three firearms.
Farmer had multiple prior felony drug convictions and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout is prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative. The program’s objective is to reduce criminal gangs, violent crime, illegal drugs, and guns through combined enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and re-entry efforts.
Farmer’s sentencing date has not yet been set. When he is sentenced, he will face a minimum of 15 years in federal prison for his crimes.
As part of the plea agreement, Farmer pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, a felony offense, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a felony offense. The charges carry a minimum mandatory term of 15 years in federal prison.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Farmer’s plea is a significant blow to organized crime in Tampa and serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing crimes related to the distribution of illegal narcotics and possession of firearms.
Related Federal Cases
- Alex Winters, Firearms and Drug Offenses, Florida 2020 · Florida
- Charles E. Posey, Jr., Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Derrick Evans, Narcotics and Firearms Offenses, Florida 2022 · Florida
- Antione Oshea Ladson, Drug Trafficking & Firearms Offenses, Florida 2022 · Florida
- Douglas Lanier Hogan, Armed Drug Dealer, Florida 2020 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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