CLEARWATER, Fla. – Robert Pugh, 34, of Clearwater, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday also ordered Pugh to forfeit two firearms and ammunition.
Pugh pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024. Court documents show that on January 3, 2024, Clearwater Police officers searched a residence where Pugh lived with co-defendant Leon Williams. The search, following controlled purchases of cocaine from Williams, uncovered two loaded handguns, marijuana, cocaine, scales, and other drug paraphernalia.
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Pugh admitted to owning one of the guns, obtaining it from another felon, and having access to the second firearm. He also confessed to selling marijuana from the residence, including the day before the search, and using the gun for protection. DNA evidence linked Pugh to the firearm.
Pugh’s prior felony convictions, including felonious possession of a firearm, prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. Williams, who also pleaded guilty, awaits sentencing on October 24, 2024.
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The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
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