TAMPA, Fla. — A convicted felon whose DNA was found on a firearm converted into a machine gun has been sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison.
Edward Anderson, 45, of Bradenton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti for possessing firearms as a convicted felon and possessing a machine gun, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced.
Federal law prohibited Anderson from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his criminal record, which includes multiple felony drug convictions and a previous firearm conviction.
The case began July 30, 2025, when Manatee County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at Anderson’s home.
Inside the residence, investigators discovered four firearms. One had been converted into a fully automatic weapon using a machine gun conversion device, according to court records.
Investigators swabbed the converted firearm for DNA. Testing by the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory found Anderson’s DNA on the weapon, prosecutors said.
Quick Fact Checklist
🔴 Defendant: Edward Anderson, 45, of Bradenton
🔴 Sentence: Eight years and four months in federal prison
🔴 Charges: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a machine gun
🔴 Search date: July 30, 2025
🔴 Evidence seized: Four firearms, including one converted into a machine gun
🔴 DNA evidence: Anderson’s DNA was found on the converted firearm
🔴 Judge: U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti
🔴 Investigating agencies: ATF and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office