Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced For Illegally Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr. (31, Ocala) to four years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Gillespie to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Gillespie entered a guilty plea on November 12, 2024.

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 to 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 multiple prior state felony convictions, including battery, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of cannabis 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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This case is part of 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 from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.