A man was arrested in Brooksville early Wednesday morning for selling crack cocaine near a church.
Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the 54-year-old man at his home on Twigg Street.
Their search of the house allegedly revealed crack cocaine, marijuana packaged for distribution, drug paraphernalia, numerous guns and rounds of ammunition.
The man was charged with three counts of sale and possession of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church, as well as the following:
- Possession of a Structure for Manufacturing Controlled Substance
- Trafficking in Crack Cocaine
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams with Intent to Distribute
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm (2 counts)
- Felon in Possession of Ammunition
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The man’s house shares Twigg Street with three churches. It is also in the vicinity of a bus stop that services several schools, Brooksville Engineering, Science, and Technology Academy (BEST), and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office South Brooksville Community Center, according to reports.
Florida laws make it a greater crime to be convicted of drug sales within 1000 feet of a church. This can enhance a misdemeanor drug crime to a first-degree felony, which means the person convicted could face up to 30 years in state prison.
The thing about drug crimes within 1,000 feet of a church is that these cases almost always have holes, like is it really a church? Does the church hold regular religious services? Does it actually measure one thousand feet exactly?
There is always evidence that must be questioned in drug crimes cases. At Whittel & Melton, our Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers will investigate every shred of evidence and look for flaws in the prosecution’s case. Our ultimate goal is to beat the charges against you so that you can move on with your life unscathed.
If you are facing a charge of a drug crime within 1000 feet of a church, it is important to speak with our Florida Drug Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Call us today at 352-666-2121 or contact us online for a free consultation.