MARION COUNTY, Fla. – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Marcus Cleaver Morgan, Jr., 24, of Ocala, to four years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Morgan pleaded guilty to the charge on July 25, 2024.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on January 14, 2023, when Ocala Police Department officers attempted to stop Morgan’s vehicle. Morgan fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended when his car crashed into an embankment.
READ: Wisconsin Man Arrested In Florida After Multi-County Crime Spree, Faces Charges In Polk County
Near the open driver’s side door of the vehicle, officers discovered a backpack containing:
- Two loaded handguns
- 239 grams of marijuana
- 33.5 grams of MDPV (a psychoactive substance)
- A scale
Forensic testing by the FBI confirmed Morgan’s DNA on the trigger, grip, and slide of one of the firearms. Morgan, who has a prior state felony conviction for carrying a concealed firearm, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Authorities emphasize that the sentence reflects the commitment to enforcing federal laws that prohibit firearm possession by convicted felons. “This case underscores the importance of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods,” said a spokesperson for PSN.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.