CLEWISTON, FL – Javier Velasquez Jr., 37, of Clewiston, is staring down the barrel of a potential life sentence after being indicted on a slew of federal firearm and drug charges, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. The feds allege Velasquez Jr. was actively dealing cocaine while illegally packing heat, including a fully automatic weapon.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Velasquez Jr. allegedly distributed cocaine on two separate occasions between July 13 and September 19. More damning, he’s been charged with three counts of possessing firearms as a convicted felon – a major no-no under federal law. The indictment also alleges Velasquez Jr. was in illegal possession of a machinegun and carried firearms specifically in relation to his alleged drug trafficking operation.
If convicted on all counts, Velasquez Jr. faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in federal prison, but the potential penalty stretches all the way to life behind bars. The U.S. Attorney’s Office isn’t messing around; the indictment includes a notice of intent to seize the firearms allegedly used in the commission of these crimes. These aren’t just tools of the trade, they’re evidence, and the feds plan to keep them.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of the Middle District of Florida is leading the prosecution, with Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan handling the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), indicating a focused effort to crack down on illegal gun activity tied to drug trafficking in the region. This isn’t a random bust; it’s a targeted takedown.
Federal officials are framing this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice launched a revamped version of PSN in 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically prioritizing enforcement.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is just a formal accusation. Velasquez Jr. is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, with the weight of these charges and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence, this case signals a clear message: dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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