Department of Justice

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Justin Heath Griffin (34, Ocklawaha) on an indictment charging him with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Griffin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Griffin has eight prior state felony convictions, including possession of a firearm by a violent offender (2006) and armed robbery (2007). On March 3, 2022, Griffin possessed a firearm and assorted ammunition. As a convicted felon, Griffin is prohibited from possession either firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.