MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Michael Latrelle Simpson, 23, Ocala, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Simpson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Simpson on July 19, 2022. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to court documents, on January 26, 2022, Simpson was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement for a traffic infraction. A handgun was located near where Simpson was seated in the vehicle. Simpson’s DNA was found on the magazine, slide, and sights of that firearm.
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Simpson has multiple prior state convictions, including for battery on detention staff, felony battery, and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement with disregard for safety. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ocala Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., and Sarah Janette Swartzberg.