Felon Coleman Caught Red-Handed With Illegal Firearm

OCALA, FL – Another thug with a rap sheet longer than his arm is facing federal time. Gregory Coleman III, 28, of Leesburg, Florida, admitted in court to illegally possessing a firearm, a move that could land him in a federal prison cell for up to 15 years. The guilty plea comes after a swift investigation that caught Coleman peddling weapons despite a lengthy history of violent offenses.

According to court documents, Coleman wasn’t just a casual offender. He’s been convicted of four state felonies: aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement with violence, fleeing or attempting to elude, and possession of cocaine. This isn’t a first-time mistake; it’s a pattern of disregard for the law and a clear danger to the public. The feds finally caught up with him after he sold a firearm to a confidential informant working with federal agents on November 4, 2023. He even bragged about having more stashed away, intending to keep them for himself – a clear indication of his intent to continue operating outside the law.

United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe didn’t mince words, announcing the guilty plea and highlighting the seriousness of the charge. Coleman is now officially prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law, a rule he blatantly ignored. The indictment came down on December 12, 2023, and Coleman finally conceded defeat in court. A sentencing date hasn’t been set yet, but federal judges are rarely lenient with repeat offenders, especially those who threaten law enforcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Eustis Police Department teamed up on this case, demonstrating a coordinated effort to get dangerous criminals off the streets. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case, ensuring Coleman faces the full weight of the law. The investigation wasn’t just about one gun; it’s a piece of a larger puzzle, aimed at disrupting the flow of illegal firearms in the region.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence. PSN isn’t just about arrests; it’s about building trust with communities, supporting local organizations that prevent violence, and focusing enforcement efforts where they’re needed most. The program, revamped in 2021, emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to tackling the root causes of crime and creating safer neighborhoods.

Coleman’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the safety of others and the rule of law. While a sentencing date remains pending, one thing is certain: Gregory Coleman III will likely be spending a significant portion of his future behind bars. This conviction sends a clear message to other criminals – if you try to arm yourself illegally, the feds will be waiting.