A 43-year-old convicted felon will spend the next three decades behind bars for possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm as a felon.
On Thursday, United States Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida announced that Carlos Kentral Kerney, of Gainesville, was sentenced to a total of 30 years in federal prison. In January 2023, Kerney was convicted by a federal jury on the firearm and drug trafficking charges.
According to court records, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop of Kerney’s vehicle for speeding on June 22, 2022. During the traffic stop, the deputy observed the grip of a pistol sticking out from between the driver’s seat and center console. A records search of Kerney revealed that he is a multi-time convicted felon.
Kerney was detained in handcuffs. After being read his Miranda rights, Kerney denied ownership of the firearm and claimed that it belonged to his girlfriend because she has a concealed carry permit.
During a search of Kerney’s vehicle, deputies found 120 grams of marijuana, varying amounts of cocaine, cocaine base, a synthetic cathinone in the center console, two scales, and another small baggie containing marijuana. In addition, $1,000 in cash was located during a pat-down search of Kerney.
Kerney has 25 prior felony convictions, and he also qualified as an armed career criminal. His 30-year prison term will be followed by six years of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Elsey prosecuted the case.