Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Sarasota Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possessing a Firearm
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Kevin Eugene McKnight (31, Sarasota) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on July 8, 2015.
According to court documents, in October 2014, McKnight sold a handgun and oxycodone pills to an undercover detective from the Sarasota Police Department. Prior to this incident, McKnight had multiple prior felony convictions. As a result, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
It 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 Bentley, along with Regina Lombardo, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violence in our communities.
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