Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Marc Jason Levene (56, Sarasota) with three counts of possessing explosives as a convicted felon, two counts of improper storage of explosive materials, and one count of possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each of the possession counts and up to one year in federal prison for each improper storage count. The indictment also notifies Levene that the United States intends to forfeit approximately 4,362 pounds of quick match and 858 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, which are alleged to be explosive materials and ammunition involved in the charged offenses.

         

According to the indictment, Levene stored explosives in an exterior shed at his home and in a storage unit at a commercial storage facility in Sarasota. Last Thursday, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Levene’s home and storage unit and seized explosives and ammunition.

 

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, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Gaugush.