MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Last week, James E. Brown, 55, and his associate, Sammy L. Welcome Sr., 57, were found guilty of multiple drug-related charges in Judge Willard Pope’s courtroom. The verdict followed an extensive investigation by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) and other agencies.
Key Details About the Case
- Brown’s Convictions:
Brown faced numerous charges, including trafficking in heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, unlawful use of a communication device, and possession of controlled substances with intent to sell or deliver. - Welcome’s Convictions:
Welcome was convicted on charges of unlawful communication use and possession of heroin, cocaine, cannabis over 20 grams, and methamphetamine. - Investigation Timeline:
Starting in late 2019, law enforcement used wiretaps to gather evidence and executed search warrants on January 15, 2020. - Evidence Found:
Search warrants uncovered significant amounts of illicit drugs and paraphernalia, leading to arrests. - Prosecution and Verdict:
“Large-scale operations like this take time,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “These guilty verdicts remove dangerous drug traffickers from our community.”
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Brown and Welcome’s sentencing is set for Dec. 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. The collaborative efforts of UDEST, local law enforcement, and federal agencies were instrumental in securing justice.