Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Christopher Dickerson (38) and David Heineman (62), both of Sanford, with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Dickerson is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Dickerson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Heineman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Both men were arrested yesterday and are being detained pending further proceedings.

 

According to court documents, between March 17 and April 5, 2017, in Orlando, Dickerson and Heineman conspired with each other and sold powder cocaine, heroin, nine firearms, and two bulletproof vests to an undercover agent. Several of the firearms were stolen, including a .45 caliber Glock pistol that was taken on March 23, 2017, from an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle. Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of cocaine, delivery of hydromorphone, possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Dickerson is prohibited from carrying a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

         

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation 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 Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle. 

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.