MELBOURNE, FL - May 22, 2020 - According to an online news report published by SpaceCoastDaily.com, West Melbourne police officers arrested a 65-Year-Old West Melbourne man following a month´s long criminal drug investigation. According to the statements provided by the West Melbourne Police Department, the suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver cocaine within 1000 feet of a church.

The West Melbourne Police Special Investigations Detectives and the West Melbourne Police Strategic Response Team coordinated efforts in order to serve a search warrant on the suspect who resides at a residence on NW Irvin Avenue. According to a social media post published by the West Melbourne Police Department, the search of the suspect´s home resulted in a seizure of $65,000 in cash, 17 grams of cocaine, and some marijuana. The post also stated that the search warrant was obtained after a lengthy criminal investigation.

The suspect is currently being held on a $122,500 bail bond and is being held at the Brevard County Jail. According to the West Melbourne Police Department, the suspect has an extensive criminal record. His criminal history includes, and is not limited to, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substance, driving while license suspended, resisting officers with violence, violations of felony probation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and sale of a counterfeit controlled substance. The news report did not disclose as to which of these offenses the suspect has been convicted.

Florida Statute 893.13 - Possession with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver - Overview, Definition, and Penalties

According to Florida Statute 893.13, it is a serious crime to be caught in possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture. It is also a crime for an individual to possess illegal drugs with the intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver. A drug crime such as this may be classified as either a felony in the second degree or a felony in the third degree. The charge will depend on the type of illegal drug involved in the criminal case. In Florida, marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and cocaine is a Schedule 2 drug. Depending on the substance and the amount of the drug found in possession, a defendant will face a prison sentence of 5 up to 15 years.

In the State of Florida, a prosecutor can show that there is an intention to sell illegal drugs by presenting the following types of evidence is found at the crime scene.

  • There was a large amount of cash where the illegal drugs were discovered;
  • There were plastic baggies or other types of packaging that are typically used for drug sales;
  • There were scales, mixing devices, balances, or testing kits;
  • There were weapons found at the scene;
  • Statements by the accused;
  • Statements made by those individuals associated with the accused;
  • The type of controlled substances found at the crime scene;
  • The amount of the controlled substances found at the crime scene.

Protect Your Legal Rights and Speak With an Attorney

If you or a loved one has been accused of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture, protect your legal rights and call our firm to discuss the defenses available.

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