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Felon Caught with Loaded Handgun in Ocala Public Housing Complex
Ocala, Florida – In a disturbing turn of events, a 32-year-old felon was found guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in a federal court. Michael Tyrone Young, a resident of Ocala, Florida, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison after being convicted on December 15, 2022.
Young had been indicted on December 7, 2021 for violating federal law prohibiting convicted felons from possessing firearms and ammunition. The evidence presented during the bench trial revealed that Young was patrolling the hallway of a public housing complex on the night of August 31, 2021, when officers from the Ocala Police Department encountered him.
According to the police report, Young dropped and retrieved what appeared to be a weapon, and a loaded firearm fell out of his pants and onto the floor. Young admitted to possessing the firearm, stating he had been ‘looking for a certain person’ who was ‘fixin’ to get him.’ A records check showed that Young had three state felony convictions for drug distribution, making him prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program, launched on May 26, 2021, focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
The case was investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Young’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2022. The community is left to wonder what prompted Young’s actions and how the PSN program will impact the reduction of violent crime in Ocala public housing complexes.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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