Orlando, Florida – In a shocking display of disregard for the law, Edward Charlesalton Chappell, a 41-year-old Kissimmee resident, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. This egregious crime has left law enforcement officials and community leaders reeling, as it highlights the need for stricter gun control measures.
According to the plea agreement, on July 13, 2022, a state search warrant was executed on a hotel room occupied by Chappell after he sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. Inside the hotel room, agents located cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs as well as drug processing materials. Agents also located a Glock pistol, a Ruger pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition.
At the time Chappell possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including four convictions for delivery of cocaine and one conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver. As a multi-time convicted felon, Chappell is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Chappell agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he unlawfully possessed.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the need for increased community engagement. As part of the plea agreement, Chappell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Edward Charlesalton Chappell, 41, Kissimmee, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2024.
The exact criminal charges against Chappell are possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The city and state where this crime occurred are Orlando, Florida. The exact date of this crime is July 13, 2022. This case is ongoing, and the outcome will be determined at sentencing on September 17, 2024.
Related Federal Cases
- De’Marionne Miller, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Lexington SC, 2023 · South Carolina
- Zhenya Bulgakov, Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute, Florida 2016 · Alabama
- Michael Bernard Code, Fentanyl and Cocaine Possession with Intent, Florida 2017 · Georgia
- Ennis Alexander Andrews, Possession with Intent to Distribute Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, Florida 2022 · Texas
- Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes, Fentanyl Possession with Intent to Distribute, Florida 2023 · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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