A convicted felon from Ocala who dropped a backpack containing a loaded pistol while fleeing from a traffic stop in August has pleaded guilty to firearm and ammunition possession charges.
On Friday, November 15, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that 31-year-old Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr. has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. He was indicted last month on both charges.
According to court records, on August 27, 2024, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle. Gillespie exited the vehicle through the passenger door and began fleeing on foot.
As the deputy chased after him, Gillespie threw a backpack onto the ground. He was soon apprehended by law enforcement.
During a search of the backpack, an “AK-47 style” pistol was found, and it was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
At the time, Gillespie had prior state felony convictions for battery (second or subsequent offense), carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams). As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Following his guilty plea, Gillespie is facing a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.