PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has upheld a 30-year federal prison sentence for a Pensacola man convicted of drug trafficking and firearms violations, affirming his status as a career offender.
Charles Edward Rowe, 43, pleaded guilty in 2021 to possessing methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana with intent to distribute, as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a convicted felon. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge T.K. Wetherell II, who determined Rowe qualified for enhanced sentencing due to prior convictions for violent and drug-related offenses.
The case began in July 2021 when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at a Pensacola hotel. Investigators found Rowe in possession of multiple controlled substances, including over two kilograms of methamphetamine pills, along with crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and two loaded handguns.
Rowe appealed the sentence, arguing that his previous Florida drug trafficking conviction should not count as a predicate offense under federal career offender guidelines. The Eleventh Circuit rejected the argument, concluding that Florida’s statute qualifies because it criminalizes possession with intent to distribute—a key element required for the designation.
The court also dismissed Rowe’s challenge to the validity of his guilty plea. The ruling, published on Tuesday, establishes binding precedent in all federal courts in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordane New and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert G. Davies.
Rowe’s conviction and sentence followed a joint investigation by local and federal authorities targeting armed narcotics activity in Escambia County.
