Florida
Milton Man Sentenced Federal Prison After Domestic Violence Call Leads to 3D-Printed Gun Bust
A Milton man will spend nearly six years in federal prison. The sentence follows a domestic dispute where police discovered a stockpile of weapons, including 3D-printed firearms.Why it mattersThis case highlights the intersection of domestic violence and illegal firearms manufacturing…
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Key points
- Darin Leigh Roy Vanness of Milton was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for illegal firearm possession.
- Police discovered four 3D printers, homemade firearms, and ammunition while searching his home after a domestic dispute.
- The Milton Police Department, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF collaborated on the investigation.
NewsWK — A Milton man will spend nearly six years in federal prison. The sentence follows a domestic dispute where police discovered a stockpile of weapons, including 3D-printed firearms.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of domestic violence and illegal firearms manufacturing in Santa Rosa County. It demonstrates how local and federal agencies collaborate to remove illegal weapons from local neighborhoods.
How the Milton man sentenced firearm case unfolded
On September 11, 2026, a federal judge sentenced Darin Leigh Roy Vanness to 70 months in federal prison. The court handed down the sentence after Vanness pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal prosecutors targeted the case through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Walter E. Narramore prosecuted the case under U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin.
What did officers find during the Milton Florida felon firearm arrest?
The investigation began when the Milton Police Department responded to a domestic dispute. Reports indicated Vanness discharged a handgun inside the home. Officers secured a search warrant for the residence. During the subsequent search, investigators uncovered an active manufacturing setup containing multiple completed weapons.
3D-printed weapons seized from Darin Leigh Roy Vanness
Federal and local authorities seized four 3D printers used to manufacture illegal firearms inside the home. Investigators discovered several completed firearms assembled from a mix of printed and commercial parts. This discovery raised significant public safety concerns because these homemade weapons lack serial numbers.
During the search, officers recovered the following items:
- Four 3D printers
- Multiple firearms built from printed and manufactured components
- Assorted printed and manufactured gun parts
- One Winchester rifle
- A large volume of ammunition
- Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
Police Chief Frank led the Milton Police Department during the investigation. His team worked alongside the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Okaloosa Correctional Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges
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