Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Sherron Gary, a 41-year-old resident of Tampa, to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Gary had pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2024.
Court documents reveal that on April 9, 2023, officers from the Tampa Police Department attempted to stop Gary's vehicle due to a broken taillight. Instead of complying, Gary fled at high speed. A police helicopter tracked his movements until law enforcement boxed in his vehicle. Subsequently, Gary attempted to escape on foot while discarding an item resembling a firearm.
The helicopter crew observed this action and directed officers to the location where the item was discarded. Officers recovered a 9mm Walther Creed semiautomatic pistol at the scene.
Gary's criminal history includes four prior felony convictions: aggravated battery and armed burglary of a dwelling, trafficking cocaine, delivery of cocaine, and delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church. As per federal law, these convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tampa Police Department (TPD), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted the case with forfeiture proceedings managed by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021. This strategy emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence proactively, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes effectively.
