Kissimmee Felon Sentenced To More Than 15 Years For Unlawful Possession Of Firearms And Ammunition

Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Edward Charlesalton Chappell (41, Kissimmee) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Chappell to forfeit the firearms and ammunition used in the offense. Chappell entered a guilty plea on June 17, 2024.

According to court documents, on July 13, 2022, a state search warrant was executed at a hotel room occupied by Chappell after he sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. Inside the hotel room, agents located cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs as well as drug processing materials. Agents also located a Glock pistol, a Ruger pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition.

At the time, Chappell had multiple prior felony convictions, including four convictions for delivery of cocaine and one conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver. As a multi-convicted felon, Chappell is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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 United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.