Gainesville, FL – A Williston man will spend nearly four years in federal prison following a firearm conviction tied to a traffic stop in Alachua County.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Michael Theondra Mozell Jr., 32, was sentenced Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Mozell had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities said the case began during a traffic stop conducted in Gainesville, located in Alachua County near the Jacksonville metro region. During the stop, investigators recovered a .25 caliber pistol, along with marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and additional items from the vehicle.
Court records show Mozell has prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Officials noted the charges were adopted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted federally.
U.S. Attorney John Heekin stated the sentencing reflects ongoing efforts to target repeat offenders and reduce violent crime across North Florida. Law enforcement leaders emphasized that individuals with prior felony records who continue to possess firearms pose a heightened risk to public safety.
Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott said the case highlights coordination between local and federal agencies, noting that deputies worked closely with federal partners throughout the investigation.
The case was jointly investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie S. Utt.
Officials say the sentencing is part of broader federal enforcement efforts aimed at reducing gun-related offenses and repeat criminal activity in the region.
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