Travis W. Carroll, a 26-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted on March 9 on federal charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, according to United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
Carroll made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola. His trial is set for April 6 at 8:30 am before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If found guilty, Carroll could face up to 20 years in prison for the methamphetamine charge, up to 15 years for possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon, and a mandatory minimum of five years—up to life imprisonment—for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The latter sentence would be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson is prosecuting.
Officials emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation by a grand jury and does not constitute evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. More information about this office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
