54-Time Convicted Felon Arrested for Firearm Possession in Riverview, Florida

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office apprehends Kenneth Smith after finding gun in his home during barricaded subject call.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a 54-time convicted felon, Kenneth Smith, after deputies found a firearm in his bedroom during a barricaded subject call at his home in Riverview, Florida. Smith has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior battery convictions and a previous sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who continue to break the law and gain access to firearms, despite their criminal histories. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing such individuals from committing further crimes and endangering public safety.

The details

On February 9th, deputies responded to a home on the 12900 block of Gordon Road in Riverview after reports of a barricaded subject, later identified as Kenneth Smith. During the investigation, deputies learned that Smith, a 54-time convicted felon, had called a witness and made several threats. A search of the home on February 10th uncovered that Smith had a firearm in his bedroom, despite his previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

  • On February 9, 2026, around 9:28 p.m., deputies responded to the home on the 12900 block of Gordon Road in Riverview.
  • On February 10, 2026, detectives obtained a residential search warrant and found that Smith had a firearm in his bedroom.

The players

Kenneth Smith

A 54-time convicted felon with multiple prior battery convictions and a previous sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the barricaded subject call, obtained a search warrant, and arrested Kenneth Smith for firearm possession.

Sheriff Chad Chronister

The sheriff of Hillsborough County who stated that individuals with extensive violent criminal histories who continue to disregard the law will be held accountable.

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What they’re saying

“Individuals with extensive violent criminal histories who continue to disregard the law will be held accountable.”

— Sheriff Chad Chronister (wfla.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant Kenneth Smith bail at his upcoming court hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who continue to gain access to firearms despite their criminal histories, raising questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing such individuals from committing further crimes and endangering public safety.