5-time convicted felon indicted on firearm, drug charges

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando investigation led to an indictment for a convicted felon being charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm.

If convicted, Reginald Dugger, 42, of Orlando, faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Dugger that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the offenses.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 29, Dugger attempted to possess with intent to distribute N,N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment alleges that Dugger, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony, possessed firearms — namely a Rock Island Armory revolver and a Palmetto State Armory rifle. As a convicted felon, Dugger is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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

This case was investigated by HSI with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

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.