Donavon Idris Ellis, a 27-year-old resident of Pensacola, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “My office is committed to supporting the work of our brave local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who keep our communities safe. We will continue to aggressively prosecute all violations of our laws and hold offenders accountable.”
According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ellis’s home in March 2024. During the search, authorities seized two loaded firearms, boxes of bulk ammunition, multiple magazines, and a large capacity drum magazine. Ellis admitted ownership of the firearms during questioning by law enforcement. In 2021, he had been federally convicted on three counts related to distribution of carfentanil.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or through http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
