Grant Bieber, 45, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, according to an April 17 announcement from John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crime and keep communities safe. Heekin said: “Keeping our communities safe remains the highest priority, and removing dangerous criminals from our streets is how we will achieve that goal. I truly appreciate the excellent investigative work by our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who are on the front lines in the fight against crime, and my office will continue to back up their efforts with aggressive prosecutions to hold criminals accountable.”
According to court documents, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded on October 28, 2024, to a disturbance at a residence in Cantonment, Florida. Deputies found Bieber and a woman inside her vehicle outside the residence while his truck was parked nearby. After obtaining a search warrant for Bieber’s truck based on evidence gathered during their investigation, officers discovered a box of .22-caliber ammunition along with his Alabama driver license in the center console. Because Bieber had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The sentencing followed an investigation conducted jointly by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration activities as well as targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding rule of law and protecting civil rights across northern Florida according to its official website. The office operates from facilities located within U.S. courthouses in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville according to its official website. It is part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
Serving 23 counties—including Tallahassee and much of Florida's Panhandle—the office enforces federal laws while defending national security interests according to its official website. The U.S. Attorney collaborates with other agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood and participates in regional committees focused on law enforcement coordination according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials say continued collaboration between local agencies like sheriff’s offices and federal prosecutors will remain key in prosecuting similar cases throughout northern Florida.
