Skip to main content
Press Release

Orlando Convicted Felon Indicted For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Elijah Noah Petit-Frere (24, Orlando) with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Petit-Frere faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Petit-Frere is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

According to the indictment, on March 11, 2024, Petit-Frere possessed a firearm and ammunition. He was previously convicted of felony offenses, including carrying a concealed firearm, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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.

This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Updated October 4, 2024

Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Firearms Offenses