Felon Nix Gets 5+ Years for Gun Sale

OCALA, FL – Another dangerous criminal is off the streets thanks to a swift takedown and a lengthy federal sentence. Troy Nix, 30, of Mount Dora, Florida, received five years and eight months in federal prison today after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence, handed down by Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell, sends a clear message: felons with guns will face serious consequences.

The bust went down June 3, 2022, when Nix brazenly sold a 9mm handgun to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Instead of cooperating with law enforcement, Nix attempted to flee on foot when agents moved to arrest him. It wasn’t enough to escape justice. Nix’s lengthy rap sheet – boasting at least eight prior state felony convictions – sealed his fate.

Those prior convictions aren’t petty offenses. Court records reveal Nix has been convicted of battery on a person 65 years of age or older, the sale of cocaine, and fleeing to elude police. Each of those crimes alone is serious, but combined, they paint a picture of a repeat offender with a blatant disregard for the law. Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition, a rule Nix clearly ignored.

The investigation wasn’t a solo effort. The ATF partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mount Dora Police Department to build a solid case against Nix. Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring a just outcome for the community.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence across the nation. PSN brings together all levels of law enforcement and local communities, focusing on building trust, supporting preventative organizations, and strategically prioritizing enforcement efforts. The DOJ launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing measurable results.

Nix’s sentence isn’t just about taking one criminal off the street; it’s about protecting communities from gun violence and deterring others from making similar, dangerous choices. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to keep our streets safe from those who prey on the vulnerable.

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