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Pensacola Man Faces Federal Charges: What You Need to Know About the Machinegun, Drug, and Unregistered Firearm Case

Pensacola man indicted on gun/drug charges; faces prison. Trial set for November.

byEditorial Staff

September 24, 2025, 6:34 PM

Executive Summary

Tre’Veonce Ezekiel Sanders, 19, was federally indicted on charges including possession of a machinegun, an unregistered firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

If convicted, Sanders faces a potential maximum of ten years in prison for each firearms offense and up to five years for the drug-related crime.

His jury trial is scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025, following a collaborative investigation by multiple federal agencies.

Laws and Precedent

The legal foundation for the case against Tre’Veonce Ezekiel Sanders rests on a federal grand jury indictment, a formal process by which a grand jury determines there is probable cause for federal charges. Sanders faces specific federal offenses, including possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, all of which carry potential maximum prison sentences prescribed by federal statutes.

A Pensacola man, Tre’Veonce Ezekiel Sanders, 19, was recently indicted by a federal grand jury on charges including possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges today, stemming from an investigation into alleged federal drug and firearms offenses.

Charges and Potential Penalties

The indictment alleges that Sanders committed these federal offenses, which carry significant penalties upon conviction. If found guilty, Sanders faces a potential maximum of ten years in prison for each of the firearms offenses, along with up to five years in prison for the drug-related crime.

Court Proceedings Underway

Sanders appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. His jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025, before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

Collaborative Investigation

This case resulted from a collaborative investigation conducted by multiple federal agencies. These include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.

Presumption of Innocence

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury and does not constitute evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial, during which the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Outlook

Sanders’ indictment highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession in the Northern District of Florida. His case will proceed through the federal court system, with a trial anticipated later this year.