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Press Release

Armed Heroin Dealer Indicted

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Matthew Barker (33, Jacksonville) with distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that crime. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Barker that the United States intends to forfeit any firearms or ammunition involved in the offense.

According to the indictment, Barker distributed heroin in February and July 2016.  He used a gun to further his drug distribution activity on one of those occasions.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.

 

Updated December 12, 2017

Topics
Opioids
Violent Crime
Drug Trafficking