Roberto Jesus Acosta, Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Florida 2013
A convicted felon has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Roberto Jesus Acosta, a 54-year-old man from Cuba, pleaded guilty to the charges on April 24, 2013, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
According to court documents, Acosta was found to have possessed a .25 caliber handgun and a 50-round box of .25 caliber ammunition. The box of ammunition was hidden inside an air conditioning unit at his apartment.
Acosta admitted to purchasing the ammunition 'for a neighbor,' but investigators found evidence that he was the actual owner of the firearm and ammunition.
Acosta has prior state convictions for manslaughter, burglary, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
The sentencing is part of the 'Project Safe Neighborhoods' program, a nationwide effort to reduce gun violence. The program is coordinated by Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, and Julie Torres, Special Agent in Charge, ATF.
Defendant: Roberto Jesus Acosta
Criminal Charges: Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting interstate commerce by a convicted felon
City and State: Ocala, Florida
Exact Date: February 2, 2013 (arrest date)
Sentence: 15 years in federal prison
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →