Guilty verdict for St. Petersburg resident tied to six ounces of cocaine

In a legal reckoning, a St. Petersburg man, Erik Barner, finds himself sentenced to a 17-year and 6-month federal prison term for a cocktail of charges, including the possession and distribution of controlled substances. This verdict, handed down by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday, also includes the serious offense of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, adding a layer of complexity to the case, as reported by the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Barner, aged 45, took a guilty plea on October 20, 2023, marking a crucial admission of guilt in the face of charges that have now culminated in a substantial prison sentence. The charges levied against him encompassed distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and the critical charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The narrative unfolds with court documents revealing a series of transactions where Barner, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover confidential informant cooperating with the St. Petersburg Police Department. This cooperation led to law enforcement obtaining a search warrant for Barner’s operational residence and his vehicle.

The execution of the search warrant unearthed a startling array of evidence. Within the confines of Barner’s residence, officers discovered not only controlled substances but also a cache of four firearms and assorted ammunition scattered throughout the premises. The gravity of the situation intensified as authorities delved into Barner’s vehicle, unearthing a substantial 176 grams of cocaine.

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Adding a sinister layer to the discovery, three of the firearms recovered from Barner’s residence were identified as stolen, while two bore the mark of Barner’s DNA. This revelation compounds the severity of the case, casting a shadow on the suspect’s involvement in illicit activities beyond the immediate charges.

Barner’s criminal history looms large in this legal saga. With prior felony convictions for offenses ranging from possession of cocaine to throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and two trafficking in cocaine convictions, federal law unequivocally bars him from possessing firearms or ammunition as a convicted felon.

The joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department sheds light on the collaborative efforts that led to the unraveling of Barner’s criminal activities. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman spearheaded the prosecution, while Assistant United States Attorney James Muench oversees the forfeiture process, marking the legal aftermath of Barner’s illicit endeavors.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges law enforcement faces in tackling drug-related offenses and the intersection of firearms in criminal activities. The sentencing of Erik Barner not only reflects the severity of his actions but also underscores the collaborative efforts required to maintain the rule of law and protect communities from individuals engaging in dangerous criminal conduct.