TAMPA, FL – Jason Washington, 42, of St. Petersburg, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after being indicted on multiple charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession. The charges stem from a months-long investigation that uncovered a pattern of dealing cocaine and a cache of weapons despite a prior felony conviction.
According to court documents, Washington allegedly sold cocaine to a confidential informant on several occasions throughout February and March of this year. The transactions caught the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Petersburg Police Department, leading to a search warrant being executed at Washington’s residence on April 13, 2023.
The search reportedly yielded six firearms, discovered in the room where Washington was located. Among the weapons were a dangerous AR-15 type semiautomatic pistol and an AK-47 type semi-automatic pistol – enough firepower to escalate any street-level dealing into a full-blown shootout. Federal prosecutors are now highlighting Washington’s prior felony convictions as a key factor in the case, barring him from legally possessing any firearms.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the indictment, which includes three counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Washington faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the drug charges, and an additional 15 years for the firearm violation – a potential total of 75 years behind bars.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman and falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting local organizations, and strategic enforcement.
An indictment is simply a formal accusation, and Washington is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented thus far paints a grim picture of a repeat offender allegedly peddling drugs and illegally stockpiling weapons in a residential neighborhood. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves 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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