Ocala Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

Ocala, Florida -United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr. (31, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Gillespie faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on August 27, 2024, a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff's Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle. Gillespie exited that vehicle through the passenger door and fled on foot. During the chase, Gillespie threw a backpack on the ground. Once Gillespie was apprehended, a search of his backpack revealed an AK-47 style pistol loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Gillespie had previous state felony convictions, including battery, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of cannabis of more than 20 grams. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.