Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Armed Career Criminal Who Sold Short-Barreled Rifle Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Troy Bennett (30, Orange County) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for failing to register the firearm, a short-barreled rifle, with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Due to his prior multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
A federal jury found Bennett guilty of the offenses on December 6, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on two occasions in August 2017, Bennett met with a confidential informant (CI) to sell firearms and drugs. During the first meeting, Bennett sold the CI crack cocaine and discussed his ability to obtain and sell a rifle to the CI. About a week later, during their second meeting, Bennett sold cocaine, a short-barreled rifle, and 28 rounds of ammunition to the CI. As a previously convicted felon, Bennett is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.
“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
# # #