Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Ocala, Florida – Daprix Devon Gadson (29, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Gadson, who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison for the firearm offense and up to 40 years’ imprisonment for the narcotics offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on April 16, 2019, Gadson led officers from the Ocala Police Department on a high-speed vehicle chase when they attempted to pull him over for a traffic offense. After fleeing for approximately two miles, Gadson crashed his car into a stop sign, disabling the car. Gadson then fled on foot, but was soon apprehend and arrested. During a subsequent search of Gadson’s vehicle, officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, 55 rounds of handgun ammunition, and at least 20 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, Gadson had 13 prior felony convictions, including 5 for serious drug offenses, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was jointly investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.