St. Petersburg resident Martez Manning, age 27, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for firearm possession by United States District Court Judge William F. Jung, following a guilty plea on December 20, 2024. Manning's history of felonies, seven convictions which included cocaine possession and distribution, subjected him to harsher penalties under federal law, which prohibits felons from owning firearms or ammunition.
Details from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida confirm that on January 2, 2023, Manning was caught with a Beretta model 21A Bobcat semiautomatic pistol, and two rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition. According to court documents, the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the St. Petersburg Police Department, led to Manning's indictment and subsequent sentencing.
Promoted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Manning's case underscores the joint mission to reduce gun violence and improve safety across communities. The strategy, supported by the Department of Justice, focuses on fostering trust within communities, preventative actions by community organizations, as well as strategic enforcement to curb violent crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman led the prosecution while Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky was responsible for handling the forfeiture connected to the case. The Department of Justice has highlighted initiatives like PSN, as essential to bringing law enforcement, and community members together for the greater goal of a safer society for all.
