Multi-Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kranston Algeno Rolle (33, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking. Rolle faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on December 30, 2022, Rolle knowingly trafficked in and received multiple firearms, specifically: (1) a Smith & Wesson Model SD9 VE 9mm caliber pistol; (2) a Glock Model 45 .9mm caliber pistol and (3) a GForce Arms Model GF2P semi-automatic shotgun. Rolle discharged the firearms at a shooting range in Palmetto. Rolle had received the firearms knowing that receiving them would constitute a felony. Additionally, Rolle purchased a box of shotgun shells at the shooting range and signed a liability release form where he knowingly misrepresented his status as a convicted felon.
On March 17, 2022, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Rolle’s home in Bradenton and located two firearms that matched the type used by Rolle at the shooting range in December. Rolle later admitted to using the pistols at the shooting range and unlawfully receiving and firing the shotgun. Rolle confirmed his identity in a video recording showing him discharging the firearms. He also confirmed his identity in a photograph showing him posing with one of the pistols.
At the time of the offense, Rolle had multiple prior felony convictions including robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, felony battery, and fleeing and eluding a police officer. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
This case is part of 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 from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
