Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Ernest L. Chambliss (45, Englewood) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2017.

 

Chambliss was indicted on November 19, 2015.

 

According to testimony presented at trial, on April 16, 2015, Chambliss sold a firearm to a confidential informant. As a previously convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. His prior criminal record also qualifies him for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory T. Nolan and Christopher Murray.

 

This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy.  United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.