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Department of Justice Acting United States Attorney Candace G. Hill Contact: Dawn Masden |
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August 3, 2009
MULTI-CONVICTED FELON INDICTED ON DRUG TRAFFICKING AND FIREARMS POSSESSION CHARGES
– Indictment alleges possession of “crack” cocaine for distribution
LOUISVILLE, KY - A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment against Phillip E. Holbrook, Jr., age 31, of Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson, with possessing cocaine base with the intent to distribute and with possessing a firearm after he had been convicted of a felony, Acting United States Attorney Candace G. Hill for the Western District of Kentucky, and Paul Vido, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisville Field Division, jointly announced today.
The Indictment alleges that on April 6, 2009, Holbrook possessed fifty grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it, and that he possessed 9 firearms including two SKS 7.62 caliber assault rifles after he had been convicted of a felony. According to the Indictment, Holbrook has four prior felony drug convictions from Clark County, Indiana Court for possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and possession of marijuana. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The estimated street value of the “crack” cocaine involved in the case is between $3,500 and $5,000.
In the event of a conviction, the maximum potential penalties are life imprisonment, an $8,250,000 fine, and supervised release for life. The minimum potential penalties are ten years’ imprisonment and supervised release for a period of five years.
This is a Project Backfire prosecution. Project Backfire is a cooperative effort by the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure that firearm offenses are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the state and federal law.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas W. Dyke. The Louisville Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in partnership with the Louisville Metro Police Department, as part of ATF’s ongoing commitment to reduce violent crime and other threats to public safety.
Holbrook is scheduled to appear for arraignment before the United States Magistrate Judge on August 18, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., in Louisville, Kentucky.
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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation
only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.
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