Anthony Pew, Illegal Firearm Possession, Florida 2024

OCALA, FL – Anthony Donnell Pew, 47, of Orlando, is facing a minimum of 15 years in federal prison – and potentially life – after being indicted on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The arrest, announced Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg, underscores the ongoing federal crackdown on illegally armed criminals in Central Florida.

According to the indictment, Pew wasn’t exactly a stranger to the system. He’s racked up a staggering 14 prior felony convictions, a laundry list that includes tampering with evidence, felony battery, and multiple counts of selling controlled substances. These convictions, naturally, stripped him of the legal right to possess any firearms or ammunition.

The feds say Pew was found in possession of two handguns and ammunition on February 28, 2023. Details on the circumstances of the discovery haven’t been released, but it’s enough to trigger the harsh federal penalties reserved for repeat offenders like Pew. The indictment was handed down on April 2, 2024, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy legal battle.

This isn’t just about one gun and one guy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The case is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at coordinating law enforcement efforts at all levels to drive down violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on building trust with communities, supporting preventative organizations, and – crucially – strategically targeting enforcement.

Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk is prosecuting the case, with the investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Eustis Police Department. While the indictment represents a significant step, it’s important to remember that Pew is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

But given his extensive criminal history, a lengthy prison sentence seems almost a certainty if the government can successfully prove its case. Pew’s next court date remains undisclosed. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF is leading the investigation.

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