Orlando Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison

Orlando, FL - United States Chief District Judge Anne Conway sentenced Rodney U. Berry (43, Orlando) today to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Berry pleaded guilty to the charge on September 6, 2012.

According to court documents, on May 21, 2012, Berry met with a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Alcohol (ATF) undercover agent (UC) in the parking lot of Boardwalk Bowling Alley on East Colonial Drive in Orlando. Berry met with the UC and handed the UC a Smith & Wesson handgun in exchange for 50 Roxicodone pills. Berry was subsequently apprehended.

Berry has ten prior felony convictions. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing either firearms or ammunition under federal law. According to court documents, his previous convictions include assault with a dangerous weapon, grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These prior felony convictions qualified Berry as an Armed Career Criminal.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.

It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice's "Project Safe Neighborhoods" program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill, along with Julie Torres, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Tampa Field Division, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.