Timothy James Roberts, Possession of Unregistered NFA Weapon, Florida 2022

Ocala, Florida – In a shocking move, Timothy James Roberts, a 29-year-old Hernando resident, has been indicted for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, a short-barreled shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to the indictment, on August 7, 2022, Roberts possessed the short-barreled shotgun. This firearm was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

Roberts has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court, making him a habitual offender. The indictment charges him with two counts: possession of an unregistered NFA weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the possession of an unregistered NFA weapon count and up to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. This initiative brings together law enforcement and community organizations to foster trust and legitimacy, support prevention efforts, and set strategic enforcement priorities.

The investigation was conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will be prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Roberts' indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of strict gun laws and the consequences of violating them. As the nation grapples with gun violence, cases like this underscore the need for continued efforts to reduce crime and keep communities safe.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/convicted-felon-indicted-possessing-short-barreled-shotgun