Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced that Darrius Lovett, a 27-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Lovett could face up to 15 years in federal prison, although the sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Court documents reveal that Lovett has several prior felony convictions, including one for felonious possession of a firearm. On November 2, 2023, the St. Petersburg Police Department Surveillance Unit located Lovett to arrest him on a felony warrant. When instructed by an officer to get on the ground, Lovett refused and fled. During the brief pursuit that followed, the officer saw Lovett discard a firearm from his right hand. The discarded weapon was later found at the location where Lovett was apprehended. A witness working nearby also reported seeing Lovett throw away the firearm.
The case was investigated by both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
