While on pretrial release, the U.S. attorney said the man tried to retaliate against the law enforcement officers who investigated the case against him.

TAMPA – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Chauncey Gregory,33, of St. Petersburg, to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Gregory pleaded guilty Feb. 6 to possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents, Gregory was an illegal narcotics dealer in a residential St. Petersburg neighborhood. On Aug. 24, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gregory’s home. As they arrived, one of Gregory’s “customers” was thereto make a purchase from him. During the search, law enforcement recovered about 1 kilogram of cocaine, 8.5 ounces of ecstasy, 15.5 grams of crack cocaine, 743 grams of marijuana; a cocaine press, a narcotics scale, drug baggies, cash ,and a loaded .38 caliber revolver, which was next to Gregory’s passport.

As a previously convicted felon, Gregory is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

While on pretrial release, Gregory attempted to retaliate against the law enforcement officers who investigated the case against him. His bond was then revoked. The court granted the government’s motion for a substantial upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, an additional 7 ½ years, to reflect the seriousness of his offense and his post-arrest retaliation attempt.

“Putting this major local drug supplier behind bars for 17 plus years significantly reduces the drug supply on the street,” St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said. “It also sends a message to criminals that retaliation against law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to ensure the quality of life for our residents will not be tolerated.”

This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reducing violent crime and makeing neighborhoods safer.

U.S. Attorney | Courts | Crime | Drug Dealing | Tampabay News

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