A convicted felon from Kissimmee who sold fentanyl to an undercover agent in 2022, prompting a search of his hotel room that led to the discovery of several firearms, will spend more than 15 years in federal prison.
On Wednesday, September 18, U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza sentenced 41-year-old Edward Charlesalton Chappell to 15 years and 8 months behind bars for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Chappell pleaded guilty to the charges on June 17, 2024.
According to court records, on July 13, 2022, a search warrant was executed at a hotel room occupied by Chappell after he sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. During the search, law enforcement officers located cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs, along with “drug processing materials.”
In addition, a Glock pistol, Ruger pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition were recovered during the search of Chappell’s hotel room.
At the time that Chappell was in possession of the firearms and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including four convictions for delivery of cocaine and a single conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver.
Chappell is a multi-time convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
After receiving his prison sentence this week, Chappell was also ordered by the court to forfeit the pistols and ammunition that he unlawfully possessed.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.