Felon with Rifles, Machineguns Indicted in Florida

Orlando, Florida – In a brazen display of disregard for the law, Lee Ann Roberts, a 42-year-old Altamonte Springs woman and four-time convicted felon, has been charged with possession of unregistered machineguns and silencers, as well as a rifle, in a shocking indictment.

The indictment, unsealed on [unspecified date], alleges that Roberts, a known felon, knowingly possessed a Savage Arms rifle and ammunition on February 12, 2024, despite being prohibited from doing so under federal law. The indictment also claims that she possessed two AR-type machineguns and three silencers, none of which were registered to her in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The charges against Roberts are serious, with a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing unregistered machineguns and silencers. The indictment further notifies Roberts that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms, silencers, and ammunition involved in the offense.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Altamonte Springs Police Department, the case was investigated, and Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan will be prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities nationwide.

An indictment is merely a formal charge, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation and prosecution of Roberts are a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring the law and the importance of community-based initiatives in reducing violent crime.

The indictment and charges against Roberts serve as a warning to those who would disregard the law and put their communities at risk. As the investigation and prosecution continue, one thing is clear: justice will be served, and the streets will be safer for it.

The case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and the importance of community partnerships in keeping our neighborhoods safe. As the prosecution moves forward, the community can rest assured that those who would threaten public safety will be held accountable.

In a statement, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the importance of enforcing federal laws that prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities,’ he said.