Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Kenton Buddy Campbell (34, Lakeland) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Campbell to forfeit two firearms and ammunition. He had pleaded guilty on June 20, 2018.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers identified Campbell’s residence as a location that was being used to facilitate the sale of narcotics. The Lakeland Police Department executed a search warrant at Campbell’s residence and found that he had been sleeping on the living room floor next to two loaded firearms. During the search, officers seized more than 220 grams of marijuana, along with codeine, oxycodone, cocaine, digital scales, and cash bundled in small denominations. Campbell was arrested on state charges and released from state custody pending trial.

Shortly after his release, Campbell returned to his home and continued selling narcotics. The Lakeland Police Department obtained a second search warrant for the residence, seized more narcotics and cash, and arrested Campbell on additional charges.

At the time, Campbell had multiple prior felony drug convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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