Lee Ann Roberts, Gun & Silencer Possession, Florida 2024

ORLANDO, FL – Lee Ann Roberts, 42, of Altamonte Springs, is facing serious federal charges after authorities say she illegally possessed a cache of firearms and accessories, despite a lengthy criminal record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the Altamonte Springs Police Department, uncovered the weapons, putting Roberts back into the federal system.

According to a recently unsealed indictment, Roberts, a four-time convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a Savage Arms rifle and accompanying ammunition on February 12, 2024. Federal law explicitly prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition, a restriction Roberts allegedly ignored. But the charges don’t stop there.

Investigators also allege Roberts possessed two AR-type machineguns and three silencers – none of which were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by federal regulations. The lack of registration significantly escalates the severity of the charges, turning a simple possession case into a potentially lengthy prison sentence. The United States Attorney’s Office intends to seek forfeiture of all the firearms, silencers, and ammunition seized.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of the Middle District of Florida announced the indictment, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The possession of the unregistered machineguns and silencers carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, to be served consecutively.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. Authorities are framing the prosecution as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The PSN program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically focusing enforcement efforts.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and Roberts is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, with a prior criminal history and the nature of the alleged offenses, the stakes are high. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF led the investigation, bringing another illegal gun case to the federal court system. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle to keep weapons out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.

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