Man convicted of drug trafficking

PUNTA GORDA — A Punta Gorda man was convicted of selling a trafficking amount of methamphetamine during a drug deal in 2022 that also involved his daughter.

Following a two-day trial, Karl Patureau, 65, was found guilty of trafficking in amphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and conspiracy to traffic in amphetamine.

On the trafficking and conspiracy charges, the jury made a special finding that the meth weighed between 14 and 28 grams, according to the State Attorney’s Office.

“That means that the court will have to impose a three-year minimum/mandatory prison sentence on those counts which will be on top of whatever he is sentenced to,” a news release stated.

Patureau’s conviction stems from an undercover drug operation conducted by the Charlotte County’s Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit in March 2022.

A confidential informant arranged to buy an ounce of meth from a woman for $450. She told the informant her father would deliver the drugs.

Patureau then met with the informant in the parking lot of a Punta Gorda business and completed the transaction in Patureau’s car, a news release stated.

His sentencing is set for May 31.

Assistant State Attorney Scott Patterson prosecuted the case.