Convicted Felon Indicted For Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Martez Manning (26, St. Petersburg) with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Manning faces up to 15 years in federal prison. The indictment notifies the defendant that the government intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.

According to the indictment, on January 2, 2023, Manning possessed a Beretta model 21A Bobcat semiautomatic pistol and two rounds of CCI .22 caliber long rifle ammunition. Manning has seven prior felony convictions including possession of cocaine; tampering with physical evidence; and multiple convictions for either the sale or delivery of cocaine. As a previously convicted felon, Manning is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

This case is part of 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. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.