Davion Rivers, Stolen Revolver, Florida 2022

TAMPA, FL – Davion Rivers, 27, of Bradenton, Florida, is headed to federal prison for over 15 years after a jury found him guilty of possessing a stolen firearm, a particularly dangerous Taurus Judge revolver capable of firing both bullets and shotgun shells. U.S. District Judge William F. Jung handed down the 15-year, 8-month sentence Monday, along with an order for Rivers to forfeit the weapon used in the crime.

The case unfolded after Rivers viciously attacked a minor on August 10, 2020, leaving the victim with a broken jaw. Bradenton Police responded to the assault and quickly encountered Rivers, who immediately became combative, yelling at officers and even pushing one of them. It was during this confrontation that an officer spotted the firearm bulging from Rivers’ pocket.

A taser was deployed, and the weapon recovered. Investigators quickly determined the Taurus Judge had been reported stolen. Inside the revolver, they found five spent shotgun shell casings. Further investigation revealed a text message history on Rivers’ phone documenting his purchase of the illegal firearm, solidifying the evidence against him. The fact that Rivers was already on federal supervised release at the time of the offense only compounded his legal troubles.

Rivers’ criminal history makes this conviction even more serious. As a previously convicted felon, he was legally prohibited from possessing any firearm. To add insult to injury, he was still under federal supervision for a prior narcotics distribution conviction, having been released from custody just weeks before the August 2020 attack and subsequent firearm discovery.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bradenton Police Department jointly investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlie D. Connally and David W.A. Chee spearheaded the prosecution. The Department of Justice highlighted the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.

The sentencing of Rivers underscores the federal government’s commitment to cracking down on armed career criminals and keeping dangerous weapons off the streets. The program aims to foster trust within communities, support violence prevention efforts, and strategically prioritize enforcement to create safer neighborhoods. This case serves as a stark warning: possessing an illegal firearm while a convicted felon, especially one with a history of violence, will carry severe consequences.

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