Asset Forfeiture Success Stories

 
Atlanta Field Division
 
Violent Felon Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
Darrick Lawrence was sentenced to 16 years and six months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine. In support of Project Safe Neighborhoods and as part of a joint investigation involving ATF, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and DeKalb County police officers, a search warrant was executed at Lawrence’s home to locate evidence in a murder committed in Virginia. During the search, two high-powered rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and cocaine were found and seized by ATF.
 
 
 
Houston Field Division
 
As part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, ATF and the Port Arthur Police Department executed a search warrant at a convicted felon’s home. During the search, ATF seized firearms, ammunition and drugs. The defendant pled guilty in court and was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison. The property was forfeited and will be disposed of by ATF.
 
 
 
Nashville Field Division
 
Several individuals were convicted for offenses related to drug trafficking, resulting in the seizure of firearms, explosives, narcotics, money, vehicles and bank accounts. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department received a portion of the money from this joint case with ATF. Federal law allows the sharing of federally surrendered property with state and local agencies. Equitable sharing increases the cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
 
 
 
Philadelphia Field Division
 
A Pittsburgh resident sentenced to 68 months in prison for attempted robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. During an attempt to rob a van delivering pharmaceutical drugs, the defendant brandished a firearm. The firearm was seized by ATF, forfeited federally and will be disposed of by ATF. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime.
 
 
 
Seattle Field Division
 
Jorge Cardenas was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine. A joint investigation with the ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Juneau Police Department, and Alaska State Troopers led to his arrest along with the seizure of five firearms and 730 grams of meth. The weapons seized were forfeited and destroyed by ATF.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last Reviewed March 8, 2019