U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell, today sentenced ANGEL JOHN MERCED, age 33, of Melbourne, Florida to 130 months imprisonment on a multiple-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base ("crack" cocaine); possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 130 month prison sentence, MERCED must serve four years in a supervised release program and pay a $300 special monetary assessment. MERCED previously had pled guilty to the charges on September 6, 2007.

According to the evidence, MERCED participated in a conspiracy to sell "crack" cocaine and on two separate occasions made video-taped sales of "crack" and several firearms to an undercover federal officer.

This case represents the culmination of a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for Brevard/Seminole Counties, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). This is another case prosecuted as a part the Department of Justice program “Project Safe Neighborhoods” — a nationwide gun violence reduction initiative with strong support from ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill is coordinating the cooperative effort here in the Middle District of Florida with federal, state and local law enforcement officials. In Brevard County, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is calling the initiative "Operation Cease Fire." The objective is to reduce violent crime by locating and seizing unlawfully possessed guns and then swiftly prosecuting the offenders using both federal and state gun laws.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig S. Forrester.