A Jacksonville man, Loranzia Outin, III, has been handed a sentence of six years and five months in federal prison after pleading guilty to firearm possession charges as a convicted felon. The decision was delivered by Senior United States District Judge Brian J. Davis, as published in a Justice Department press release today.
The charges stem from a sequence of events in early 2024, where confidential informants reportedly bought controlled substances from Outin on two separate occasions in February and March. Following these transactions, on March 22, 2024, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and their SWAT team conducted a warrant search at Outin's residence, leading to the discovery of a 9mm pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, and two bags of methamphetamine in his room. Outin's criminal record, punctuated by 10 prior felony convictions, includes the sale of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and a previous charge of possessing a weapon as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. According to the press release on the U.S. Attorney's Office website, falons under federal law, are prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition. Outin's case, apart from its own specifics, highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – a crime reduction initiative aiming to unite law enforcement levels and community services to decrease violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for all.
Since the Department of Justice revamped PSN back in May 2021, they've focused on building trust within communities, aiding organizations that work to prevent violence before it occurs, setting enforcement priorities strategically, and, tracking the outcomes.
