St. Petersburg man sentenced; found with over six ounces of cocaine

FLORIDA – A St. Petersburg man has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Erik Barner, 45, to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Barner pleaded guilty on October 20, 2023.

According to court documents, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, Barner sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a residence from which Barner was operating and a vehicle. Officers said they recovered four firearms and various ammunition that had been dispersed throughout the home.

In the vehicle, officers reportedly found 176 grams of cocaine. Three of the firearms recovered from the home were later determined to have been reported stolen. Two of the firearms had Barner’s DNA on them.

Barner has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine, throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and two trafficking in cocaine convictions. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted it. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.