Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Senior United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced D’eante Corker, a 25-year-old from Orange Park, to two years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The conviction was reached on November 26, 2024, following a bench trial.
Court documents reveal that on March 27, 2024, a deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Corker's vehicle. During the stop, a canine officer's dog detected narcotics in the vehicle, prompting a search. A loaded Smith & Wesson pistol was discovered under the hood of the vehicle. Corker admitted to knowing about the firearm and acknowledged that he could not lawfully possess firearms due to his status as a convicted felon.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
