Repeat Drug Trafficker Caught with Gun and Drugs during Traffic Stop

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a gang member and repeat drug trafficker.  Anthony Dewayne Dean, Jr., 34, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Drug Felon.  Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on March 28 where Dean faces twenty-five to thirty-five years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In a one-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Jodie Bush explained to the jury that on October 21, 2021, Knoxville Police Department Officer Anthony Bradley conducted a traffic stop on I-275 on a vehicle with an expired registration.  Dean was the driver of the vehicle, and when Ofc. Bradley asked for Dean’s insurance information, Ofc. Bradley could see a bag of marijuana in the glove box.  When Dean stepped out of the car, officers discovered multiple bags containing cocaine, suboxone, and marijuana in his pockets.  Officers also located a Springfield XD handgun in a backpack on the passenger seat.  A records check revealed that Dean had two outstanding warrants for his arrest and is a convicted drug trafficker.

“In addition to addressing addiction issues in our community, we must also address the traffickers selling controlled substances in Knoxville,” said DA Allen.  “Drug dealers and gang members should pay attention to cases like this.”

Dean has four prior convictions for selling cocaine and is serving a sentence in TDOC for those cases.  He has also been identified as a member of the Gangster Disciples.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.