OCALA, FL – Alexander Timothy Rosa, 31, of South Carolina, is in federal custody after allegedly pilfering a handgun from a licensed Ocala pawn shop and holding onto it despite a lengthy rap sheet that already bars him from owning any firearms. The arrest, announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg, adds another layer to the already escalating gun violence epidemic plaguing the nation.
According to a three-count indictment, Rosa snatched the firearm on or around October 26, 2021, and continued to possess it illegally for over two weeks, until November 9, 2021. Federal prosecutors are hitting him with serious charges: possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and the original act of stealing the gun from the federal firearms licensee. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Rosa’s criminal history is extensive. Court records show prior convictions for breaking into a motor vehicle (2014), grand theft (2015), robbery (2017), and two counts of first-degree assault and battery (2017). These convictions automatically disqualify him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law, a fact he apparently ignored when allegedly snatching the weapon from the pawn shop.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Belleview Police Department, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), highlights the ongoing collaboration between agencies to combat gun crime. This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program aimed at reducing violent crime and bolstering community safety.
“This isn’t just about one stolen gun,” stated a source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s about a pattern of behavior. A convicted felon with a history of violent crime shouldn’t have access to a firearm, period. We’re working tirelessly to get these weapons off the streets and hold these individuals accountable.”
Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk is prosecuting the case. As with all criminal proceedings, Rosa is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if convicted on all counts, he could face a lengthy stretch behind bars, potentially totaling 30 years. The case serves as a stark reminder that federal authorities are aggressively pursuing those who illegally possess firearms and contribute to the cycle of violence.
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