Troy Nix, Illegal Sale of a 9mm Handgun, Florida 2023

OCALA, FL – Troy Nix, 30, of Mount Dora, Florida, is headed to federal prison for more than five years after pleading guilty to the illegal sale of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell handed down the sentence on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, bringing a measure of justice in a case that highlights the continued flow of weapons into the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.

Court records detail how Nix sold a 9mm handgun to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on June 3, 2022. When agents moved to arrest him immediately following the transaction, Nix took off running, attempting to evade capture. He didn’t get far.

This wasn’t a first offense, not by a long shot. Nix’s rap sheet is extensive, revealing at least eight prior state felony convictions. These include battery on a person 65 years of age or older, distribution of cocaine, and multiple counts of fleeing from law enforcement. Federal law clearly prohibits individuals with such a criminal history from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The investigation wasn’t solely an ATF operation. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mount Dora Police Department all contributed to building the case against Nix. Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer led the prosecution, successfully arguing for a significant sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime and Nix’s history.

Federal authorities are framing Nix’s conviction as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies at all levels and community involvement, focusing on both enforcement and preventative measures. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021.

Nix received a sentence of five years and eight months in federal prison. He’ll have plenty of time to consider his choices and the consequences of arming himself while already a convicted felon. The case serves as a stark reminder that those who illegally traffic firearms will face federal prosecution and significant jail time.

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