Timothy Roberts, Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felon, Florida 2023

A convicted felon from Hernando has been sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing multiple firearms, authorities announced this week.

Timothy Roberts, 28, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, a short-barreled shotgun, and two counts of possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Roberts was stopped by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies on August 7, 2022, while driving a stolen vehicle. Deputies discovered a sawed-off shotgun on the back seat, which Roberts admitted he had tried to cover with a backpack as he was being pulled over.

The illegally modified shotgun was not registered to Roberts in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law. Approximately three weeks later, Roberts was stopped again by Citrus County deputies for multiple traffic infractions. A search of his backpack revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and two handguns.

When questioned, Roberts claimed he had planned to sell the firearms. Roberts, who has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court, is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities. The strategy launched by the government on May 26, 2021, focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Roberts pleaded guilty to the offenses on July 28, 2023. The defendant's sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes and the importance of enforcing laws that prohibit felons from possessing firearms.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/citrus-county-convicted-felon-sentenced-federal-prison-possessing-multiple-firearms