PORTLAND, Ore. – Police arrested Sean Franklin Lee Fowlkes, age 28, following the execution of a search warrant for his person, residence, and vehicle in Portland, Oregon. United States Magistrate Judge Donald C. Ashmanskas authorized a federal complaint on October 21, 2009, charging Fowlkes, a previously convicted felon, with narcotics and firearm violations.
Acting United States Attorney Kent S. Robinson praised Portland Police Bureau’s Gang Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their thorough investigation. “This is one of the largest seizures of crack cocaine in a single arrest in Portland, Oregon. It should have a tremendous impact on the available supply of crack cocaine in the community,” Robinson said.
According to the complaint, police seized more than a kilogram of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, as well as powder cocaine, two loaded firearms, a digital scale, and more than $87,000 in currency during the searches. Fowlkes was carrying several bindles of crack cocaine when police stopped his vehicle and arrested him. They found the bulk of the drugs, as well as the guns and cash, in a safe and clothing at Fowlkes’ apartment on NE 157th Avenue. The street value of the drugs is estimated at approximately $20,000 as packaged, but at the price of single dosages, could cost more than $100,000.
The complaint charges Fowlkes with possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of cocaine base, in the form of crack cocaine, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms. The maximum penalty for the drug charges is life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The gun charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
Fowlkes is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. He will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Dennis Hubel on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 1:30.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jane Shoemaker.
