Florida felon convicted seven times, indicted for alleged firearm offense

FLORIDA – A Florida convicted felon has been indicted for possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO) has announced.

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Martez Manning, 26, of 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, the USAO said.

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. 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. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman will prosecute it. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.