Ocala, Florida - Duvale Lamar Van Dyke (31, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Van Dyke faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Van Dyke was indicted on Jan. 22, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on Jan. 1, 2020, City of Ocala police officers stopped Van Dyke in his vehicle pursuant to an active warrant for his arrest. A search of the car revealed a loaded firearm, a jar of marijuana, and body armor designed to protect against armor-piercing rifle rounds. The officers also located a.223 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 firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ocala Police Department. It is being 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
