Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine and Firearm

Gulfport, Miss. – Edward Corneilus Bridges, 37, of Moss Point, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On March 22, 2018, a state search warrant was executed at Bridges’ home in Moss Point. Upon entering the home, agents located more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, scales, large amounts of cash, marijuana, ecstasy pills, a ledger, ammunition cases and an SKS rifle.

Later that day, Bridges met with the FBI and admitted he owned the narcotics and gun, and he further admitted to intending to distribute the methamphetamine. He said he destroyed his phone prior to meeting with the FBI by throwing it into the Escatawpa River.

Bridges will be sentenced on October 12, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine for possessing the methamphetamine and five consecutive years and a $250,000 fine for possessing the SKS in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

The case was investigated by FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.