Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Tyriq Quentel Coger, a 26-year-old resident of Melbourne, Florida, has been indicted on federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment, announced on Monday, September 15, 2025, by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, alleges that Coger was found with a loaded Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device during a traffic stop. If found guilty, Coger faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Details of the Charges
The charges stem from an incident on August 27, 2025, when Coger’s vehicle was pulled over by law enforcement for driving without lights. During the stop, Coger reportedly switched seats with a front-seat passenger and was observed making discreet movements within the vehicle. A subsequent probable cause search, initiated after a backseat passenger admitted to having a firearm in the glove compartment, led to the discovery of multiple weapons.
Investigators located the backseat passenger’s firearm, as well as a loaded Glock pistol that was fitted with a machinegun conversion device, in the glove compartment. At the time of the incident, Coger had several prior felony convictions, which under federal law prohibit him from possessing any firearm or ammunition. The United States intends to forfeit the seized firearm and ammunition as part of the legal proceedings.
Defendant’s Criminal History
Coger’s previous felony convictions include aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, battery by a person in a prison or jail facility, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. These prior offenses underscore the federal prohibition against his possession of firearms.
The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rockledge Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman is prosecuting the case. An indictment serves as a formal charge that a defendant has potentially committed federal criminal law violations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Next Steps in the Case
The indictment initiates the formal legal process against Coger, who will now face these serious federal charges. The potential sentence of up to 15 years reflects the gravity of illegally possessing a firearm, especially with a history of felony convictions and the presence of a machinegun conversion device.
