A man facing a litany of federal drug and gun charges is set to plead guilty next week in a case that has drug on for over two years. According to the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette, the defendant will be looking at a 27 year sentence each on two separate charges and is expected to serve more than 25 years total behind bars.
The charges he will be pleading guilty to include one of possession of more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and one for possession of a gun in drug trafficking. There were originally six charges against him. He was set to go to trial this week.
According to the investigation, the bust was the largest that officials in Allen County could recall. In his home police found 6,700 pounds of marijuana, large amounts of cash, and guns. In a safe deposit box, the defendant had stored $200,000 in cash, jewelry, precious stones and metals, and ledgers related to his trafficking ventures.
As part of the plea agreement, he will not contest the forfeiture of more than $1.5 million, weapons, and ammo. Electronics and other items from his homes have already been forfeited and some of the defendant’s several properties are expected to be seized.
When you are found to have profited off the drug trade, the fruits of your illegal labors, including homes, cars, cash, and other valuables, can be seized. This particular man is alleged to have been very profitable within the trade and therefore stands to lose a lot.
Had he went to trial and been found guilty of all of the charges against him, this defendant would have been facing a far longer prison sentence. By agreeing to plead guilty, he avoids potentially spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Plea agreements are the most common way that criminal charges are resolved. It’s actually pretty rare for a criminal case to make it all the way to trial. However, plea agreements aren’t appropriate in all cases and you shouldn’t be pressured into “copping a plea” if you believe you are completely innocent.
A criminal defense attorney committed to your case will be honest with you and give you their best legal opinion on the right decisions for you to make. This sort of advice is crucial when you are facing any criminal charges.
If you’re up against serious drug charges or even a simple possession charge, I can help. Contact me today for a free consultation on your case.