A Bradenton man, Terry Lavon McDonald Jr., has been sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple firearm and drug-related charges.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida confirmed the sentencing, which highlights the continued effort by law enforcement to curb illegal firearm possession and drug trafficking.

McDonald’s Arrest and Charges

McDonald, 32 years old, was sentenced for:

Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

The case against him stems from an October 2023 SWAT raid in Manatee County. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team executed a search warrant at a Bradenton residence in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Authorities found McDonald inside a white Ford Explorer parked in the driveway. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement discovered:

A loaded black nickel-plated Smith & Wesson handgun

Fentanyl

Cocaine (including 20.8 grams of rock cocaine and 4.4 grams of powder cocaine)

A digital scale

The presence of these items suggested that McDonald was engaged in drug trafficking activities.

McDonald’s Criminal History Played a Role

Investigators later reviewed McDonald’s criminal record, which revealed a troubling pattern of past offenses. He had a total of 14 felony charges, including:

Previous firearms charges

Drug-related offenses

Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement

As a convicted felon, McDonald was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Despite this, investigators found multiple photos on his cellphone showing him with suspected firearms and narcotics. These images further strengthened the case against him.

Federal Sentencing and Legal Consequences

McDonald pleaded guilty in November 2024 and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven. Along with his prison sentence, McDonald was ordered to forfeit the firearm and ammunition found in his possession.

According to legal experts, the charges carried a minimum penalty of five years in federal prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. His seven years and six months sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Agencies

The case was a joint effort between multiple law enforcement agencies:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

This investigation was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to reduce violent crime and prevent illegal firearm possession.

Officials praised the coordination between agencies, stating that such collaborations are essential in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.

Impact on the Community and Law Enforcement Response

This case highlights ongoing efforts to tackle gun violence and drug-related crimes in Florida. Authorities have emphasized that trafficking fentanyl and cocaine fuels dangerous addictions, contributes to overdoses, and poses severe risks to public safety.

Speaking on the case, law enforcement officials stated:

“This sentence is a reminder that drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated. We remain committed to ensuring that convicted felons who continue to break the law face significant consequences.”

Residents of Bradenton and Manatee County have expressed mixed reactions to the sentencing. While many applauded law enforcement’s efforts, others raised concerns about the recurring issue of repeat offenders in their community.

What This Means Moving Forward

McDonald’s conviction is one of many cases in Florida where convicted felons with a history of violent crimes continue to be involved in drug trafficking and firearm offenses. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement to help reduce crime.

The sentencing serves as a strong warning to others engaged in similar illegal activities—highlighting that law enforcement is actively targeting individuals involved in gun violence and drug distribution.