FRESNO - On Aug. 29, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Robert Lawrence Hunt, 40, of Bakersfield, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, and manufacturing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in July 2022, Hunt possessed a destructive device that consisted of parts designed for conversion into an explosive and incendiary device containing screws, which meet the federal definition of a firearm. Hunt was previously convicted in Kern County Superior Court of two robberies and a burglary and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Hunt faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 if convicted of possessing an unregistered firearm and manufacturing a firearm.

Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider some variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.