Suncoast man found guilty as charged in drug case

Amira Fox, State Attorney Press Release

Karl Patureau was found guilty as charged for Trafficking in Amphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Use of a TwoWay Communication Device, and Conspiracy to Traffic in Amphetamine. This follows a two-day jury trial in Charlotte County.

On count 1, the trafficking charge and count 4, the conspiracy to traffic charge, the jury made a special finding that the methamphetamine weighed between 14 grams and 28 grams. That means that the court will have to impose a 3-year minimum/mandatory prison sentence on those counts which will be on top of whatever he is sentenced to.

Assistant State Attorney Scott Patterson handled the case.

The crime happened in March 2022. The Charlotte County’s Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was doing surveillance during a drug deal. A Confidential Informant (C.I.) arranged to buy one ounce of meth for $450 from a woman. Prior to meeting, she told the C.I. that she would have her father, the defendant, meet him with the drugs.

The defendant met the C.I. in a home improvement store parking lot in Punta Gorda. The drug transaction was completed in the defendant’s car while law enforcement watched. He was then arrested.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 31, 2024.