Deltona Felon Sentenced To More Than Twenty One Years In Prison For Possession Of A Firearm During A Cocaine Sale

Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr., yesterday sentenced Edwin Vidal Torres (31, Deltona) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Based upon his lengthy criminal history, which included offenses involving violence, firearms, and drug trafficking, Torres was designated a career offender. He pleaded guilty to the charges on June 4, 2013.

According to court documents, on April 18, 2013, Torres possessed a firearm during the sale of cocaine. Immediately following the sale, agents arrested Torres with 19 ounces of cocaine, a digital scale, $3,793 in cash, and a revolver. Following his arrest, Torres admitted that he carried the firearm during drug deals involving more than nine ounces of cocaine. He also stated that he carried the firearm to protect his drugs, drug money, as well as himself during his drug transactions.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Volusia Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.