Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment and arrest of Derrick Evans (44, St. Petersburg) for seven counts of possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of the narcotics offenses, Evans faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each count. If convicted of the carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, Evans faces a consecutive 5 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of the felon in possession of a firearm offense, Evans faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to, life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Evans that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms recovered in this investigation.

According to the indictment, on multiple occasions between February 25 and May 6, 2022, Evans possessed with the intent to sell or deliver cocaine. On May 6, 2022, Evans possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. As a result of his multiple prior convictions, including attempted first-degree murder, Evans 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 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.

This case was investigated by the Pinellas Park Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.