Devon Oliver, 18, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for possessing a firearm with a removed serial number, according to a May 4 announcement by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The case is part of ongoing efforts to address gang violence and illegal firearms in the region. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our communities have been plagued by gang violence for too long, and Operation Take Back America is devoting the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing those dangerous, violent criminals from our streets. This successful prosecution is yet another win for the citizens of the Northern District of Florida, and a reassurance that my office remains committed to delivering the safe streets that they deserve.”
According to court documents, Oliver was found with a firearm missing its serial number on October 22, 2025. The weapon had an extended magazine loaded with 22 rounds and was recovered after Oliver attempted to flee law enforcement through an apartment complex in Gainesville. Chief Moya of the Gainesville Police Department said: “A weapon with its serial number removed and loaded with an extended magazine is a direct threat to every resident and every officer who encounters it. We will have zero tolerance for violent offenders who arm themselves unlawfully, and we will continue working relentlessly to take these guns off our streets.”
After completing his prison term, Oliver will serve three years on supervised release including six months under home detention. The investigation involved cooperation between local police and federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as assistance from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office; Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety by upholding federal laws across northern Florida according to its official website. The office operates from courthouses in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville according to its official website, covers 23 counties including Tallahassee and parts of the Panhandle according to its official website, enforces civil rights protections according to its official website, collaborates through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood according to its official website, prosecutes criminal violations on behalf of the United States according to its official website, and forms part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
This sentencing reflects broader national efforts under Operation Take Back America aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues as well as targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
