Winter Garden Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Drug And Firearms Charges

Orlando, FL – Kenneth Bernard Smith (54, Winter Garden) pleaded guilty today to two counts of possessing ammunition and a firearm as a convicted felon and two counts of distributing cocaine and heroin. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2019.

According to court documents, on February 8, 2019, deputies from the Orange County Sherriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a fatal drug overdose that had occurred in an apartment in Winter Garden, where Smith was the sole resident. The deputies found materials used for drug distribution as well as over 550 rounds of ammunition in the apartment. At the time, Smith had numerous prior felony convictions, including three felony convictions for drug distribution.

On February 20, 2019, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover purchase of cocaine from Smith. On March 6, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s home and seized cocaine and heroin, packaged for distribution, along with a loaded 10 mm firearm.    

This case was investigated by the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.