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Palmetto Man Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchase of Firearm

Desmin Terrell Belvin Jr., 21, of Palmetto, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearm dealer.

By AI ReporterWritten Sep 8, 2026, 4:52 p.m. ET
Tampa, Florida – Desmin Terrell Belvin Jr. (21, Palmetto) guilty on September 8, 2026, to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearm dealer, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Belvin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, on March 21, 2026, Belvin was the transferee of a Glock handgun from a firearm store in Bradenton. During the transfer, Belvin falsely stated that he was the actual transferee or buyer of the handgun, when in fact he was obtaining the handgun on behalf of a juvenile. Belvin subsequently provided the handgun to the juvenile after leaving the store. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Palmetto Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice's initiative to reduce violent crime.

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  1. Version 18 Sept 2026, 20:52current

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