FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2011
GEORGIA MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON ON ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION AND DRUG CHARGES
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Quentin Jamel Parker, 23, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday to 76 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for distribution of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Parker pleaded guilty in August. The defendant admitted that between May 2010 and September 2010, he sold crack cocaine or firearms to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on 18 occasions. The illegal drug and firearm transactions took place at the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington. Over the course of these transactions, the defendant sold nine firearms and approximately 143 grams of crack. The defendant also admitted that on June 15, 2010, he sold a stolen .22 caliber revolver to an undercover agent. Parker further admitted that on August 18, 2010, he sold approximately 28 grams of crack.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration and the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.
This case is also being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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