Convicted Felon Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Possessing Firearms and Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine

St. Louis, Missouri – Matthew Orasco, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the offenses of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm.  Orasco appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross.

According to court documents, on August 23, 2019, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Orasco’s St. Louis County residence in connection with an investigation of distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms at the residence.

Pursuant to the search warrant, the FBI seized evidence of crimes from the residence, including distribution amounts of cocaine and other controlled substances, nine firearms, high capacity ammunition magazines, and more than 500 rounds of ammunition compatible with the seized firearms. The FBI also seized approximately $45,000 in U.S. currency, three cars, and two motorcycles from the residence. As part of the plea agreement, Orasco agreed to forfeit the money, cars, and motorcycles seized by the FBI, as those items either facilitated Orasco’s illegal activity, constituted proceeds of his illegal activity, or were acquired with such proceeds.

Prior to August 23, 2019, Orasco had been convicted of at least one felony crime and knew he had been so convicted at the time he possessed the firearms.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with the assistance of the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Redd handled this case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.