Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Timothy James Roberts (29, Hernando) with possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon (short-barreled shotgun) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the possession of an unregistered NFA weapon count and up to 15 years in federal prison possessing a firearm as a convicted felon count.

According to the indictment, on August 7, 2022, Roberts possessed a short-barreled shotgun. This firearm was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Roberts also has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms 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 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.

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