Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Duvale Lamar Van Dyke (31, Ocala) to 37 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Van Dyke entered a guilty plea to the offense on June 17, 2020.

According to the plea agreement, on January 1, 2020, City of Ocala police officers stopped Van Dyke in his automobile because of an active warrant for his arrest. A search of Van Dyke’s automobile revealed a loaded firearm, a jar of marijuana, and body armor intended to protect against armor-piercing rifle rounds. Officers also located a .223 caliber rifle round in Van Dyke’s pants pocket. Van Dyke admitted that all of these items belonged to him. As a previously convicted felon, Van Dyke is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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