Bradenton Man Convicted for Felonious Possession of a Firearm and Cocaine
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Danyel Megal Black (39, Bradenton) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing cocaine. Black faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is pending.
Black was indicted on August 27, 2019.
According to testimony presented at trial, on February 19, 2019, Black was serving a term of probation from a state court sentence. Black’s probation officer had scheduled a home compliance visit and search for that day. The probation officer did not inform Black of the search, and on that day, a team of law enforcement officers arrived at Black’s apartment to perform the search. Black arrived at his residence over half an hour late and let the officers into the apartment, which he shared with his girlfriend and their two small children.
During the search, the officers found nearly half an ounce of cocaine in a plastic bag, along with a razor, in Black’s nightstand next to his bed. That same drawer contained several small baggies of individually wrapped cocaine. Officers also discovered a loaded 9mm magazine in the bedroom linen closet. In the kitchen, they found an orange pot and scale, both containing cocaine residue. Inside a dresser drawer in Black’s two-year-old son’s room, officers discovered a stolen, loaded gun. In addition, they found two cellphones and $1,865 in Black’s car.
As a previously convicted felon, Black is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Florida Department of Corrections-Sarasota Circuit Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charlie D. Connally and Michael Sinacore.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN) — a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety-one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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