Habitual Offender Convicted of Grand Theft of a Firearm

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Michael Daniel Combs, 23, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Grand Theft of Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. As a habitual offender, Combs now faces a maximum of 40 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Steven B. Whittington on April 24.

According to court documents, testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Combs asked to stay at the victim’s home after explaining he was a childhood friend of the victim’s son. Combs waited until the victim left the home and used a screwdriver to pry open the victim’s gun cabinet, then stole a 22-caliber rifle. Combs was caught on the victim’s home security system stealing the rifle.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney James Trey Atkinson.