Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
CRIME BLOTTER Inset: David Lawrence/Contributed photo. Image courtey of morguefile.com LOCAL PROLIFIC OFFENDERS SENTENCED IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday on Nov. 20 sentenced David P. Lawrence, 26, of Bradenton, to 11 years and eight months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has reported. On Nov. 6, Lawrence's co-defendant, Mark Alan Finehout, 37, of Sarasota, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a news release says. release continues. "During the transaction, Lawrence and Finehout took pictures of the Taurus pistol," along with a Norinco model SKS rifle that they were interested in purchasing, the release says. A search warrant executed on Lawrence's cellphone recovered pictures of the Taurus pistol, the SKS rifle and text messages sent to an individual regarding the potential resale of both the pistol and the rifle, the release adds. Lawrence and Finehout are previously conLawrence and Finehout were indicted on victed felons, the release notes, so federal June 12 of this year. Both pleaded guilty to law prohibits them from possessing a firearm the charges in August, the release adds. or ammunition. According to court documents, on April 17, This case was jointly investigated by the Lawrence and Finehout purchased a .40-cal- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and iber Taurus pistol from another man, the Explosives (ATF), the Sarasota County