Columbia Man Facing Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

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From Department of Justice

Jacob Michael Goethe, 26, of Columbia, Tennessee, was charged in a criminal complaint on Friday with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession and distribution of heroin, after he purchased a 9mm handgun from an undercover officer, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to the criminal complaint, Goethe had been the target of a drug trafficking investigation in Maury County, Tennessee and had sold heroin to an undercover officer on prior occasions. At the conclusion of one drug transaction, Goethe asked the undercover officer if he could get him a pistol and specified that he was interested in a small compact handgun.

On August 22, 2018, Goethe texted the undercover officer and arranged to purchase a handgun by negotiating a trade for approximately 3.5 grams of heroin. On August 24, 2018, ATF agents made a controlled delivery of a Glock 9mm handgun to Goethe in exchange for the heroin. Goethe was immediately taken into custody.

If convicted, Goethe faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF; the Maury County Sheriff’s Department; the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force; the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force; and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynne T. Ingram is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.