Former Key West Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Short‑Barreled Rifle, Faces Federal Sentencing

Vincent Vega, a 40-year-old former Key West firefighter and emergency medical technician, pleaded guilty to felony counts of possessing an illegal short-barreled rifle and possessing a destructive device, court records show. The plea follows a March 14, 2025 traffic stop that uncovered an illegal short-barreled AR-15 in Vega’s vehicle and later searches that recovered a cache of firearms, a pipe bomb, bomb-making materials and diagrams at his residence.

Federal authorities took over the case, and Vega remained detained at the Miami Federal Detention Center as proceedings continued. The plea was entered on January 23, 2026. A sentencing hearing had been scheduled for January 21, but prosecutors requested a 10-day postponement to respond to a late filing from Vega’s attorney; sentencing is pending while the government and defense complete filings.

The offenses Vega admitted carry significant statutory exposure. Violations involving possession of unregistered National Firearms Act weapons and destructive devices typically carry penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison for each count, along with substantial fines. Prosecutors, however, have indicated in filings that they will seek a reduced recommended sentence as part of plea negotiations, citing mitigating factors documented by defense counsel.

Defense filings submitted to the court describe Vega’s history of mental illness and include character letters highlighting his prior service as an EMT and a Key West firefighter from 2014 to 2023. Prosecutors also noted that Vega has no record of previously using the weapons in a violent manner, a factor that appears to have influenced their decision to pursue a reduced sentencing recommendation.

The case touches on several local issues. For residents of Monroe County and the Keys, the discovery of a destructive device and bomb-making materials in a former public safety employee’s home underscores concerns about public safety, weapons trafficking and the adequacy of screening and mental-health support for first responders. The involvement of federal authorities reflects the seriousness of National Firearms Act violations and the interagency cooperation that follows when potential explosives are found.

Institutional questions now loom for municipal leaders and the County Commission: how background checks, medical evaluations and post-employment oversight intersect with mental-health resources for crews who regularly face traumatic incidents. The plea also raises policy considerations for voters and policymakers about enforcement priorities, sentencing discretion in federal court, and whether state or local reforms are warranted to bolster prevention and oversight.

What comes next is a federal sentencing hearing now delayed while the parties and the court evaluate late filings and mitigation evidence. Monroe County officials and residents can expect further updates when the court sets a new sentencing date and when prosecutors file their formal recommendation. The outcome will determine not only Vega’s punishment but may influence local discussions about first-responder wellness, firearms enforcement, and community safety measures.