Pensacola repeat offender sentenced to 26 years in prison

PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Pensacola man has been sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida has announced.

Charles E. Posey, Jr., 33, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 26.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, said Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said Coody.

“This career criminal has demonstrated his unwillingness to abide by the law, committing repeated drug crimes. Given the outstanding work of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be distributing drugs in our community.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, during his plea in federal court, Posey admitted being present at a residence in Pensacola on December 3, 2020, which contained over $20,000 in United States currency, 10 firearms, and large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Posey’s white Lexus was also present on the scene, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reportedly located large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana within it along with a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an attached “drum” acting as an extended magazine with 27 live rounds inside.

“This sentencing is great news for the Florida Panhandle communities,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell.

“A dangerous felon – a repeat drugs and firearms offender — will be locked up for a long time, thanks to our incredible partnership with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Florida.”

Posey is a multi-convicted felon who has been to state prison previously.  His prior state convictions also involve drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Posey’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Kaitlin Weiss.