Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dempsey Gilmore (32, Tampa) with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted on the conspiracy count, Gilmore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Gilmore faces a consecutive 5 years in federal prison to the drug trafficking crimes. The indictment also notifies Gilmore that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition recovered in this investigation, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but not later than on or about February 9, 2022, Gilmore conspired with others to sell or deliver narcotics. During the conspiracy Gilmore possessed a firearm. Gilmore has been convicted of multiple felonies to include escape and felon in possession of firearm or ammunition and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.