Khalil Keari Barnett, a 30-year-old resident of Gainesville, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, another violent, drug-peddling criminal has been removed from our streets. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi launched Operation Take Back America to devote the full might of the Department of Justice to eliminating the threats to our communities posed by violent criminals like this defendant, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those offenders until our streets are safe and drug-free.”
According to court documents, deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call at a residence where Barnett was present. When officers arrived, Barnett exited through the back door and attempted to enter a rideshare vehicle before fleeing on foot. During his flight, he discarded a bag containing approximately 600 grams of marijuana and a black mask. Law enforcement also recovered a firearm and box of ammunition near him. Due to a prior conviction for possession of a weapon by a delinquent, Barnett is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Barnett could face up to life imprisonment for the combined charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices that represent federal interests under direction from the Attorney General. More information about this office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
