Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the indictment of Rovonte Lamar Daniels, 29, and Frederick Lee Brown, 31, both residents of Sanford, Florida, on charges of possessing a firearm as convicted felons. If found guilty, each man faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment further indicates that the United States intends to seize the firearms and ammunition involved in this offense.
Details of the Indictment
According to the indictment, both Daniels and Brown were aware that, as convicted felons, they were legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. Despite this, on December 13, 2023, Daniels and Brown were allegedly in possession of a Canik firearm. Daniels has four prior felony convictions, while Brown has five.
The Legal Process and Investigation
An indictment represents a formal accusation, but every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation into this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with additional assistance provided by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan will be leading the prosecution.
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Part of a Broader Initiative
This case is a component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national program that aligns various levels of law enforcement with local communities to decrease gun violence and other violent crimes. PSN is guided by four core principles: establishing trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based anti-violence organizations, prioritizing strategic law enforcement actions, and tracking progress through measurable results.
The initiative aims to build safer neighborhoods across the United States by strengthening relationships between law enforcement and local communities, prioritizing preventive measures, and setting enforcement strategies that effectively target individuals who pose significant risks. By working together, law enforcement agencies aim to reduce gun violence and enhance community safety for all.
