Orlando, FL – In a grim reminder of the dangers of firearms in the drug trade, Edwin Vidal Torres, a 31-year-old Deltona man, was yesterday sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr., handed down the sentence after Torres pleaded guilty to the charges on June 4, 2013. Torres was designated a career offender due to his lengthy criminal history, which included offenses involving violence, firearms, and drug trafficking.
According to court documents, on April 18, 2013, Torres possessed a firearm during the sale of cocaine. Immediately following the sale, agents arrested Torres with 19 ounces of cocaine, a digital scale, $3,793 in cash, and a revolver. Following his arrest, Torres admitted that he carried the firearm during drug deals involving more than nine ounces of cocaine.
He also stated that he carried the firearm to protect his drugs, drug money, as well as himself during his drug transactions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Volusia Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Torres’ sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of using firearms in the commission of crimes. The use of firearms in the drug trade puts innocent lives at risk and will not be tolerated.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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