Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – DeShawn Russ, 35, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous serial felon has been taken off our streets, and he will face an extended federal prison sentence. This successful prosecution by my office is yet another win for the safety of our communities under Operation Take Back America, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”

Original arrest

On August 3, 2025, a Gainesville Police Department officer reported that Russ was in a car driven by the victim when Russ said he would kill the victim and then kill himself; at the time, Russ was “actively in possession of a firearm.” Russ allegedly fired a round directly in front of the victim’s face, leaving a bullet hole in the front driver’s side window. Although no firearm was recovered, a .380 bullet was located in his pocket. Russ is multi-time convicted felon, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The defendant faces imprisonment for up to 15 years at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.

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.