MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – A Bradenton man with a lengthy criminal history is facing serious federal charges after being indicted for allegedly possessing a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced Tuesday.
Edward Anderson, 44, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury. The charges stem from allegations that Anderson, despite numerous prior felony convictions, was in possession of a Glock pistol that had been illegally modified to operate as a fully automatic weapon.
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According to the indictment, Anderson has a troubling past, with nine previous felony convictions, including two prior offenses related to firearms. As a convicted felon, federal law strictly prohibits him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.
The indictment further alleges that Anderson possessed the modified Glock pistol beginning on an unknown date and continuing through July 30, 2024. Authorities state the handgun had been altered with a replacement slide cover plate, transforming it into a machine gun – a weapon capable of continuous fire with a single pull of the trigger.
The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The possession of a machine gun offense carries an additional potential sentence of up to 10 years.
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This case is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman has been assigned to prosecute the case.
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