Related Federal Cases
- Michael R. Synychak, Illicit Vape Sales, Florida 2023 · New York
- Bayron Castro Sentenced for Narcotics Ring, New York NY, 2023 · New Mexico
- Naomi Ruth Smith, Child Sex Trafficking, Maryland Florida 2023 · Massachusetts
- Duval County Public Schools, Employment Discrimination, Florida, 2023 · Alabama
- Lawrence Destefano, Ghost Gun Ring Operation, Florida, 2023 · New York
Terry Lavon McDonald, Jr. Sentenced to 7 Years and 6 Months in Federal Prison
Tampa, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, Terry Lavon McDonald, Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Bradenton, has been sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on October 5, 2023, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office executed a residential search warrant in Bradenton based on a series of controlled fentanyl purchases from another individual at the residence. At the time of the execution, McDonald was the sole occupant of a vehicle backed into the driveway.
The vehicle was searched, and McDonald was found in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun, a digital scale, fentanyl, and cocaine. Prior to the offense, McDonald had been convicted of multiple felonies, including possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and carrying a concealed firearm.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. McDonald’s cellphone was recovered during his arrest and a search warrant was obtained for its contents. Multiple photographs were found in the cellphone depicting McDonald in possession of suspected firearms and narcotics.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Terry Lavon McDonald, Jr. was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven on November 22, 2024. The court also ordered McDonald to forfeit a Smith & Wesson firearm and ammunition, which were used in the commission of the offense.
McDonald’s sentencing is a significant blow to organized crime in the region, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities. The project Safe Neighborhoods program, which was used in this case, aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
