Heroin Dealer Endangering Children Sentenced To More Than 18 Years In Federal Prison

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell yesterday sentenced Damion Rashaad Carder (36, Cocoa) to 18 years and 9 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. The court also ordered Carder to abandon any interest he had in firearms and ammunition recovered when he was arrested.

Carder pleaded guilty on December 20, 2013.

According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Carder was on supervised release as a result of his 2006 conviction in federal court for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Despite being under supervision, Carder sold heroin from his home, which was approximately one block away from the Joe Lee Smith Park and Recreation Center, and has a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball court, gymnasium, and community center on the property. Carder would deal heroin when the Center was open. After thinking that he was going to be arrested, Carder placed two firearms and ammunition in a car with two children, approximately 8 and 10 years old, and told the driver to leave the area. Law enforcement stopped the driver and recovered the firearms shortly before arresting Carder, with more than 200 grams of heroin.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.