Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Martez Manning (26, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Manning faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Manning was previously convicted of seven felonies, including possession of cocaine, tampering with physical evidence, and five convictions for sale or delivery of cocaine. As a convicted felon, Manning is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On January 2, 2023, Manning possessed a Beretta model 21A Bobcat semiautomatic pistol and two rounds of CCI 22 long rifle ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.