Dartis Cobb, Possession of Ammunition by Felon, Florida 2023

TAMPA, FL – Dartis Cobb, 35, of St. Petersburg, is headed to federal prison for more than four years after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell handed down the sentence Friday, bringing a swift conclusion to a case rooted in a brazen attempt to evade law enforcement.

The trouble began August 13, 2022, when Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies attempted a routine traffic stop. Cobb, however, refused to yield, sparking a chase through residential streets. Deputies eventually boxed him in, leading to his arrest. A search revealed a single 9mm round tucked into Cobb’s front pocket – a violation of federal law given his criminal history.

The search didn’t stop there. A bag in the passenger seat contained more than just loose items. Deputies spotted the unmistakable outline of a firearm magazine, fully loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The weapon itself? A “ghost gun,” devoid of serial numbers or any traceable components, making its origin a mystery. ATF agents later confirmed the weapon’s untraceable nature, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

This wasn’t Cobb’s first brush with the law. Court records show he’s a repeat offender, previously convicted of robbery and – ironically – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These prior convictions permanently barred him from legally owning either firearms or ammunition. The latest offense simply piled onto an already extensive rap sheet, sealing his fate.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Nebesky handling the forfeiture of the illegally possessed items. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

PSN focuses on building trust within communities, supporting local violence prevention programs, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts. This sentencing serves as a stark reminder that possessing ammunition while prohibited is a serious federal offense, and those who flout the law will face significant consequences. Cobb’s four-year and three-month sentence is a clear message: illegal gun activity won’t be tolerated in the Middle District of Florida.

Related Federal Cases