Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearms, Ammunition and Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Evan Ingram (42, Clearwater) with seven counts of distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Ingram faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the distribution charges and a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison on each of the possession of firearm and ammunition charges.
According to the indictment, on seven separate dates in August and September 2022, Ingram distributed cocaine. On four dates during that time frame, he possessed a firearm. The indictment also alleges that Ingram has previously been convicted of seven felonies, including three or more violent felonies or serious drug offenses. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.