TAMPA, Fla. – A 60-year-old Tampa man is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in federal prison after pleading guilty to a series of drug trafficking and firearm charges. Jeffrey Hennig entered his plea following a sting operation that uncovered a stash of illegal weapons and narcotics in his residence, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The investigation centered on a series of transactions in March 2024. During that month, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department coordinated a buy-bust operation where an undercover officer successfully purchased a .22 H&R Model 929 revolver from Hennig.
Investigators noted that the handgun’s serial number had been obliterated, making it a “ghost gun” that is difficult for authorities to track. Along with the weapon, Hennig sold the officer 50 rounds of ammunition and 28 grams of methamphetamine for a price of $200.
The situation escalated on March 20, 2024, when federal agents and local police executed a search warrant at Hennig’s apartment. Inside the unit, authorities seized two more loaded firearms: a Taurus .357 Magnum and a Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W equipped with a loaded extended magazine.
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Like the revolver sold to the officer, the Hi-Point also had its serial number removed. In addition to the weapons, agents discovered smaller quantities of both methamphetamine and fentanyl scattered throughout the living space.
Because of his prior criminal record, Hennig was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. He has now pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of firearms with altered serial numbers.
While a sentencing date has not been scheduled, the gravity of the combined charges carries a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Petersburg Police Department, with Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman leading the prosecution.
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