Justin Lynn of Philadelphia has been indicted on federal charges by the Loudon County Narcotics Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Sheriff Tim Guider and the Loudon County Sheriff's Department released information on the federal charges of Lynn June 30. 

According to the release, May 29 the Loudon County Narcotics division conducted a search of Lynn's residence at 1119 Spring Street in Philadelphia where they found 110 30mg Roxicodone pills, 20 80 mg Oxycotin pills, approximately 1.5 ounces of marijuana, 14 one mg Klonopin pills and approximately $5,000 in cash.

The search also yielded a loaded, modified Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, shotgun ammunition, digital scales, three crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia, according to authorities. "That's how the AFT got involved, he was a convicted felon," Guider said. The arrest was the result of his department building a case. "That was an ongoing investigation. We had had several complaints of  lots of visitors."

According to Guider, ATF Agent Wade Moore and Loudon County Narcotics officers presented the case to the U.S. Attorney in Knoxville. Since Lynn is a convicted felon and violated federal law by having the shotgun in his possession, the U.S. Attorney's office also agreed to prosecute the drug charges on Lynn.

Lynn, who is currently in the Loudon County jail, was indicted on June 18 on federal drug and weapons charges. If convicted, Lynn is facing 10 years in federal prison. As to the decision to go the federal route Guider said sometimes the federal system offers harsher sentences. 

"If we have cases that can go to the federal courts, it is sometimes better to prosecute on a federal level because the sentencing guidelines have more harsh penalties than that of the state guidelines," Guider said adding he was grateful to the U.S. Attorney's office for getting involved and working with his department on recent cases.