A St. Augustine man has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. Derrick Walden, 42, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy D. Berger to five years and six months after pleading guilty on August 2, 2024.
Court documents reveal that a search warrant was executed at Walden's residence on January 18, 2024, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. During the search, law enforcement found a loaded semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine next to Walden's nightstand. When questioned about the rifle, Walden admitted purchasing it on the "street." Authorities also seized multiple rounds of ammunition, a Kevlar bullet-resistant vest, and drug paraphernalia from his home. Due to his extensive criminal record, including at least seven felony convictions, Walden is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.