In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced 38-year-old Todd Wade Powers to a 15-year federal prison term for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Middleburg resident had entered a guilty plea for the charges back in April of this year, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida.
On April 30, 2024, Clay County Sheriff's deputies responded to a gas station complaint, only to stumble upon a vehicle with a stolen license plate from Jacksonville. Within, they glimpsed upon an open backpack revealing a firearm and a white powdery substance, which tested out as cocaine. Furthering their inspection of the vehicle yielded fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, alongside two loaded firearms. Powers would eventually go on to admit ownership of these illegal items. Due to his criminal history of 14 felonies, including drug and theft offenses, Powers found himself federally prohibited to so much as touch firearms or ammunition.
The joint investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Clay County Sheriff's Office, brought Powers to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams led the prosecution. The U.S. Attorney's Office press release details the case within the framework of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative initiative designed to decrease violent crime and gun violence, fostering safer communities.
