ORLANDO, FL – Darrius Jaques Garrett, 33, of Orlando, is headed to federal prison for seven years and six months after being sentenced today for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger handed down the sentence, along with an order for Garrett to forfeit the Glock pistol and ammunition directly linked to a May 2022 shooting.
The case stems from an incident on May 27, 2022, when Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting on Americana Boulevard. They found a man suffering from gunshot wounds to the torso. The victim received treatment and was released from the hospital. Surveillance footage captured the shooting, providing key evidence in the investigation.
Just five days later, on June 1, 2022, deputies spotted a Dodge Charger in the same area as the shooting – the same vehicle seen in the surveillance video. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock firearm. Authorities allege this was the weapon used in the earlier shooting. The discovery sealed Garrett’s fate, given his extensive criminal history.
Garrett isn’t just a repeat offender; he’s a five-time convicted felon. Federal law explicitly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition, a restriction Garrett brazenly ignored. This wasn’t a first offense, but a calculated disregard for the law, contributing to the lengthy sentence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones leading the prosecution. This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through a combination of law enforcement and community-based strategies.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida coordinates PSN efforts in the region, working with various agencies to target violent criminals and improve public safety. While PSN aims for prevention and re-entry programs, Garrett’s actions demonstrate that some individuals remain committed to a life of crime, demanding a strong response from the justice system.
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