A Bradenton man, Terry Lavon McDonald Jr., has been sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven delivered the sentence for multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The court mandated McDonald to forfeit a Smith & Wesson firearm and ammunition linked to his crimes. McDonald had entered a guilty plea on November 22, 2024.
Court documents revealed that on October 5, 2023, Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in Bradenton following controlled fentanyl purchases from another individual there. During this operation, McDonald was found alone in a vehicle parked in the driveway. A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun, fentanyl, cocaine, and a digital scale.
McDonald's prior convictions include multiple felonies such as possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, fleeing law enforcement, and carrying a concealed firearm. These previous offenses prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Authorities recovered McDonald's cellphone during his arrest and obtained a search warrant for its contents. The device contained several photographs showing McDonald with suspected firearms and narcotics.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.