ORLANDO, FL – Another dangerous criminal is off the streets of Florida. James Joseph Bryant, 49, of Daytona Beach, received a decade-long federal prison sentence for illegally possessing a firearm, the Department of Justice announced today. U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron handed down the 10-year sentence, recognizing Bryant’s extensive criminal history and applying the enhanced penalties of the Armed Career Criminal Act.
Bryant pleaded guilty on September 24, 2018, but the wheels of justice grind slowly, especially when dealing with repeat offenders. The case stems from a February 22, 2018 encounter with Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were attempting to serve three outstanding felony arrest warrants. They found Bryant carrying a loaded 9mm pistol – a weapon he had no legal right to possess.
The feds didn’t mess around. Because of Bryant’s multiple prior felony convictions, he automatically qualified for the harsher sentencing guidelines under the Armed Career Criminal Act. This isn’t about a first-time mistake; this is about a pattern of disregard for the law. The court didn’t just lock him up, they ordered the forfeiture of the 9mm pistol and the ammunition he was carrying – ensuring that weapon won’t be used to harm anyone else.
This investigation was a joint effort between the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr. skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid case against Bryant and securing the conviction. These agencies are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, one criminal at a time.
Federal officials highlighted that this case is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. It’s not just about arrests and convictions, but a holistic strategy that includes crime prevention and helping offenders successfully re-enter society – though in Bryant’s case, repeated offenses suggest rehabilitation attempts have failed.
U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts across the Middle District of Florida, working with a network of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. This conviction sends a clear message: those who repeatedly break the law and endanger our communities will face serious consequences. Bryant will have a decade to reflect on his choices behind bars, and hopefully, this will prevent future crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Panama City Felon Sentenced for Gun Possession · Florida
- Miami-Dade Felon Convicted of Gun Possession · Florida
- Miami-Dade Felon Floyd Convicted for Gun Possession · Florida
- Iowa Felon Billy Thorne Convicted of Firearm Possession · Iowa
- Orlando Felon Sentenced For Machinegun, Silencer Possession · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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