Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging Linda M. Taylor, 35, and Donnie N. Whitfield, 24, both of Panama City, with possessing firearms as convicted felons.  The indictment was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, on six different occasions between December 2014 and February 2015, Taylor possessed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol, a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, a Sig Sauer 9 millimeter pistol, and ammunition.  The indictment further alleges that the Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol and the Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol were stolen and sold.  Taylor is also charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, and Whitfield is charged with possessing the same Maverick 12-gauge shotgun.  The arraignment and initial appearance are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the U.S. Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.