St. Petersburg Man Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Drug Distribution

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Gerald Dwayne Welch (35, St. Petersburg) to 14 years in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine. Welch pleaded guilty on December 17, 2013.

According to court documents, on July 24, 2013, Welch was arrested for selling crack cocaine to an undercover officer on two previous occasions. A search of Welch’s motel room revealed cocaine, marijuana, and Dilaudid pills. During an interview with law enforcement, Welch admitted to selling narcotics in the St. Petersburg area since January 2013. At the time of the offense, Welch had several prior felony convictions, including ten felony drug convictions.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.

This case is a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improving the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.