Christopher Florence Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine Dealin…

TYLER, Texas – The grim tale of Christopher Florence, a 41-year-old Lindale resident, has reached its conclusion as the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced his sentencing for his role in the cocaine trade. Florence, accused of dealing drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, was sentenced to federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis.

On September 11, 2012, Florence pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a charge that led to today’s sentence of 38 months behind bars. The case took an ominous turn on January 27, 2011, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Overton, Rusk County, Texas. During the raid, Florence was spotted frantically trying to discard a semi-automatic pistol, $1,757 in cash, and approximately 6.16 grams of cocaine base.

According to court documents, Florence admitted to possessing the drugs with the intent to distribute them in the area. His downfall began on September 15, 2011, when he was indicted by a federal grand jury.

The investigation into Florence’s drug dealings was a joint effort by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble led the prosecution against the defendant.

With this sentence, the Eastern District of Texas has taken another decisive step in its battle against drug trafficking, ensuring that those who seek to profit from the sale of illegal substances will face the full force of the law.