U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Sherron Gary, a 41-year-old resident of Tampa, to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Gary had pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2024.
The incident leading to his arrest occurred on April 9, 2023, when officers from the Tampa Police Department attempted to stop Gary's vehicle due to a broken taillight. Instead of complying, Gary fled at high speed, prompting law enforcement to follow him using a police helicopter. When the vehicle was eventually boxed in by authorities, Gary attempted to escape on foot.
During his flight, the helicopter crew observed him discarding an item that resembled a firearm. Officers later apprehended Gary and retrieved a 9mm Walther Creed semiautomatic pistol from the location where he discarded it.
At the time of this offense, Gary had four prior felony convictions including aggravated battery and armed burglary of a dwelling, trafficking cocaine, delivery of cocaine, and delivery within 1,000 feet of a church. Under federal law, these convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tampa Police Department (TPD), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted the case while Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky handled forfeiture matters.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes trust-building within communities and strategic enforcement priorities to prevent violence.