WINTER PARK, Fla. – Bailey Joseph Friese, 23, of Winter Park, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Friese faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He has also agreed to forfeit the Glock firearm involved in the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Friese sold a Glock firearm in December 2023. At the time of the sale, Friese had a prior felony conviction for burglary. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition.
READ: Valrico Man Found Guilty In St. Petersburg Drug Conspiracy
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Seminole County City County Investigative Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels, along with community stakeholders, to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
READ: Gov. DeSantis Expands Immigration Enforcement Powers In Florida Through New ICE Agreements
The Department of Justice strengthened its commitment to PSN in May 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention programs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the effectiveness of these efforts.
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.
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.
