United States of America v. Howard Neil Martin

Tallahassee, Florida, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession and distribution of drugs and possession of a machine gun.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report about a burglary in progress. When they arrived, Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Florida, was parked in the driveway of the residence and in a verbal dispute with someone watching the residence for the homeowner. Officers could see a firearm in plain view inside the defendant’s truck and upon running his criminal history, learned that he was a convicted felon. Officers ultimately searched the truck and located approximately half a pound of crystal methamphetamine.

“This joint investigation removes another methamphetamine trafficker from our North Florida communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “I’m thankful to our law enforcement partners for their support in bringing this criminal to justice.”

Sheriff Jared F. Miller, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office said: “Cases like this highlight the ongoing threat illegal drugs and firearms pose to our community. I’m proud of our deputies for their quick response and strong partnership with our federal agencies to ensure dangerous offenders are held accountable.”

When the defendant is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for a period of five years.

The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Defendant sentenced to 85 months BOP as to Counts 1 & 3, to run concurrently and 5 months as to Count 2, to run consecutively. 5 years of supervised release as to Counts 1 & 2 and 3 years as to Count 3, to run concurrently with each other and concurrently with any sentence imposed in related state cases. SMA $300. No Fine