Robert Smith Pleads Guilty

Robert Edward Smith, a 59-year-old man from Fort McCoy, has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons—a machinegun and silencers. This guilty plea comes after a thorough investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

According to court documents, special agents searched Smith’s Marion County residence on February 15, 2024, pursuant to a federal search warrant. Inside Smith’s bedroom, agents located a Sten machinegun and two silencers. None of the items were registered to Smith in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.

Smith faces up to 10 years in federal prison for his crime. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the guilty plea, emphasizing the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program aims to make neighborhoods safer for everyone by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting focused enforcement priorities.

The investigation and subsequent guilty plea demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to enforcing federal firearms laws and reducing gun violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement worked together to investigate Smith and bring him to justice.

Project Safe Neighborhoods was launched on May 26, 2021, as part of a violent crime reduction strategy. The program is based on core principles, including fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results. By working together, law enforcement agencies and communities can reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

In this case, the guilty plea of Robert Edward Smith sends a strong message that possession of unregistered NFA weapons will not be tolerated. The prosecution of this case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to enforcing federal firearms laws and reducing gun violence. As the case moves forward to sentencing, the community can expect a thorough and fair outcome, one that reflects the seriousness of the crime committed by Smith.

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