As a convicted felon, federal law prohibited his possessing a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

TAMPA – A St. Petersburg man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in a federal prison for violating federal gun laws, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Devin Fabian Collins, 25, of St. Petersburg, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered him to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. Collins was found guilty by a jury Feb. 13.

According to evidence presented at trial, Collins drove recklessly through St. Petersburg as he was being followed by a police helicopter. After Collins pulled into an apartment complex, officers arrived at the scene and Collins fled on foot, while tossing drugs and a gun. At the time of the incident, Collins had a prior felony conviction and is, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime to make neighborhoods safer.

U.S. Attorney | Crime | Gun Laws | Tampabay News

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