Devon Oliver, an 18-year-old from Gainesville, Florida, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possessing a firearm with its serial number removed. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Our brave state and federal law enforcement partners are on the front lines every day fighting to keep our communities safe, and my office will continue to back up those efforts with successful prosecutions like this one.”
According to court documents, the incident took place on October 22, 2025. Oliver was found riding an electric scooter with a concealed firearm in his waistband. When police attempted to stop him for a traffic violation, he fled on foot and discarded the weapon in bushes at an apartment complex. Authorities recovered the firearm, which had an extended magazine containing 22 rounds of ammunition and no visible serial number. Oliver was later arrested while hiding in a stairwell and admitted that he had thrown away the gun during his attempt to escape.
Oliver could face up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is set for April 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as criminal organizations involved in violent crime and trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also urges residents to lock their car doors at night since thefts from unlocked vehicles are a significant source of firearms for criminals in northern Florida.
For further details about public court records or information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
