A Clay County resident, Dustin Neil Haas, has entered a guilty plea to the charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. Haas, age 38, could receive up to 15 years in federal prison. In addition to imprisonment, he may be required to forfeit a Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol and ammunition connected to the offense. His sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Law enforcement arrested Haas on September 22, 2025. According to court records, on August 11, 2025, a deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office stopped Haas while he was operating a motorcycle without a tag and determined his license was suspended. Upon approaching Haas, the deputy saw a large bulge in his vest and found a loaded black Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol with 13 rounds during a search. At that time, Haas had several previous felony convictions that barred him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The case is being investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting.
According to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).”
The release also notes that although this matter occurred earlier in 2025, its public disclosure was delayed due to a government shutdown.
