A federal grand jury has indicted Tyriq Quentel Coger, 26, of Melbourne, Florida, on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the indictment, which includes notice that the government intends to seek forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition involved in the alleged offense.
According to court records, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on August 27, 2025, after observing a vehicle driven by Coger operating without headlights. During the stop, Coger reportedly switched seats with another passenger and made movements described as stealthy. A backseat passenger then informed officers that there was a firearm in the glove compartment. Police searched the vehicle and found both a firearm belonging to the backseat passenger and a loaded Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
Coger has previous felony convictions including aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, battery by person in prison or jail facility, and fleeing or attempting to elude police. As a result of these convictions, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
"An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty," according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Rockledge Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman will handle prosecution.
This matter falls under Operation Take Back America. The initiative brings together resources from across the Department of Justice to address issues related to illegal immigration, criminal organizations, and violent crime through coordinated programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods.
