Exodus Jerrod Strowbridge, Felon in Possession of Firearm & Cocaine, Florida 2017

Tampa, Florida – A convicted felon has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing cocaine and a firearm, along with ammunition, in North Port, Florida.

U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven handed down the sentence to Exodus Jerrod Strowbridge, a 42-year-old North Port resident, on January 23, 2017. Strowbridge pleaded guilty to the charges earlier that month.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a year-long investigation into Strowbridge’s suspected illegal drug activity, which culminated in a search warrant being executed at his residence in March 2016. During the search, officers recovered approximately 98 grams of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun.

The officers also seized drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, metal razor blades, and clear plastic baggies consistent with packaging cocaine for sale and distribution. Strowbridge acknowledged owning the handgun and had numerous prior drug convictions, making him prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case is part of the ‘Project Safe Neighborhoods’ Program – a nationwide gun-violence reduction strategy. The North Port Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell prosecuted it.

Strowbridge was also ordered to forfeit a Smith & Wesson handgun and 12 rounds of ammunition. The case is a prime example of the efforts being made to reduce violent crime in communities across the country.

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