Two convicted felons from Sanford were indicted last week for allegedly possessing a loaded firearm.
On Thursday, May 2, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the return of an indictment charging 29-year-old Rovonte Lamar Daniels and 31-year-old Frederick Lee Brown each with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment further notifies Daniels and Brown that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the alleged offense.
According to the indictment and arrest affidavit, on December 13, 2023, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office detectives identified Brown as the passenger of a dark blue Chevrolet Malibu that was traveling southbound on U.S. 17-92, near the intersection of Spartan Drive, in Seminole County.
At the time, two active warrants had been issued in Seminole County for Brown’s arrest. The affidavit stated that the warrants were for multiple charges including failure to appear for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis, resisting an officer without violence, driving a motor vehicle without a license, and tampering with an electronic monitoring device.
SCSO detectives followed the vehicle until it came to a stop in the 4600 block of Star Coral Drive in Orlando. The detectives made contact with the vehicle’s two occupants, Brown (passenger) and Daniels (driver), and both individuals were placed under arrest.
At the time of his arrest, Brown was allegedly in possession of a brown Canik handgun that was loaded with live rounds in the magazine and chamber. The affidavit further stated that a backpack was located at Brown’s feet, and it contained black masks, a pair of gloves, two handgun holsters, and a knife.
Detectives also allegedly located a black Canik handgun in Daniels’ possession, which was loaded with live rounds in the magazine and chamber.
Court records state that Brown has previously been convicted of five felony offenses, and Daniels has four prior felony convictions. The indictment alleges that both men possessed a Canik firearm on December 13, 2023, while knowing that they were felons.
As convicted felons, Brown and Daniels are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
If convicted, Brown and Daniels each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.