Tampa Republic

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr., a 31-year-old resident of Ocala. Gillespie is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. He is currently detained while awaiting the outcome of his criminal case.

Court documents reveal that on August 27, 2024, a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. Gillespie allegedly exited the vehicle from the passenger side and fled on foot. During his escape, he reportedly discarded a backpack which was later recovered by law enforcement officers. Inside the backpack, authorities discovered an AK-47 style pistol loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.

At that time, Gillespie had prior state felony convictions for battery (prior offense), carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of cannabis exceeding 20 grams. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

It is important to note that an indictment is simply a formal charge indicating that one or more violations of federal criminal law may have occurred. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will be prosecuting the case.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between various levels of law enforcement and community members. On May 26, 2021, enhancements were made to PSN's strategy focusing on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence proactively, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes effectively.