U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Star Stewart, a 39-year-old resident of Bradenton, to eight years and nine months in federal prison. Stewart was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition following a bench trial on November 20, 2023.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on November 4, 2020, the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Task Force attempted to arrest Stewart at a residence in Bradenton based on a state warrant. Upon arrival, officers observed Stewart on the back patio. He fled inside but was soon apprehended. Officers discovered a Glock 19 with an extended magazine containing 33 rounds of ammunition where Stewart had been seated. Stewart admitted to possessing the firearm, which is prohibited for convicted felons under federal law.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Charlie D. Connally, with forfeiture proceedings managed by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN by focusing on trust-building within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.