Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Star Stewart, a 39-year-old resident of Bradenton, to eight years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Stewart's conviction followed a bench trial on November 20, 2023.
The case stemmed from an incident on November 4, 2020, when the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Task Force attempted to arrest Stewart at a residence in Bradenton under a state warrant. Officers observed Stewart on the back patio; he fled inside but was soon apprehended. A Glock 19 with an extended magazine containing 33 rounds of ammunition was found where Stewart had been seated. Stewart later admitted to possessing the firearm, which is prohibited under federal law for convicted felons.
The investigation involved several agencies: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; the Sarasota Police Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Charlie D. Connally, with forfeiture proceedings handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy as part of PSN, focusing on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
