Williston man sentenced to federal prison on firearm charge arising from traffic stop in Gainesville

Press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Michael Theondra Mozell, Jr., 32, of Williston, has been sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.   

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “With this successful prosecution, another dangerous criminal will be kept off our streets. President Donald J. Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche launched Operation Take Back America to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward protecting our communities from violent criminals, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like this to deliver on that promise.”

Court documents reflect that during the course of a traffic stop in Gainesville, a .25 caliber pistol, five grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were seized from the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition as he has prior felony convictions for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, and possession of cocaine.  

“This case is a testament to the skilled, proactive work of our deputies and the strong partnership we share with the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott. “Through coordinated efforts, a repeat violent felon who once again chose to illegally possess a firearm has been held accountable and removed from our streets. This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to public safety and ensuring that those who pose a continued threat to our community face meaningful consequences.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.