KEY WEST, FL — In a recent case, Nicholas David May was sentenced by Circuit Judge Mark Jones after pleading no contest and being adjudicated guilty to Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The charges stemmed from a May 30, 2025 traffic stop conducted by the Key West Police Department after officers observed multiple traffic infractions along North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West. During the stop, officers deployed a K-9 unit, which alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
A subsequent search uncovered cocaine residue, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm Springfield Armory handgun concealed beneath the driver’s seat along with ammunition. Officers determined that May, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm under Florida law.
Judge Jones sentenced May to 180 days in the Monroe County Jail on all three counts, with the jail terms running concurrently, followed by 36 months of Drug Offender Probation. As part of his sentence, May was ordered to submit to random urinalysis twice weekly, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three times per week, complete substance abuse evaluations, and pay a total of $1,474.75 in court costs, fees, and assessments. His driver’s license was also suspended for six months.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield emphasized the dangers associated with convicted felons illegally possessing firearms while engaging in illegal drug activity.
“Convicted felons who choose to arm themselves while simultaneously engaging in illegal drug activity create a serious threat to our community. The possession of a loaded firearm by someone legally prohibited from having one is dangerous enough on its own, but when combined with narcotics, the risks increase substantially. This case highlights the importance of proactive law enforcement and diligent prosecution. Mr. May has been given an opportunity through supervision and treatment, but if he fails to successfully complete the terms of his probation, he faces significant state prison time.”
Assistant State Attorney Michael Tetelman prosecuted the case.
MONROE COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The Office of the State Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, led by State Attorney Dennis W. Ward, is committed to upholding the law through ethical prosecution, collaboration with investigative partners, and the pursuit of justice for the citizens of Monroe County.
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