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Stephen Miles Bishop, a 30-year-old felon from Panama City, Florida, has been indicted on federal firearms charges. Bishop, who appeared in federal court for his arraignment, is accused of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a short-barreled rifle. The indictment, announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin, is the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The charges against Bishop carry significant penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for each count of possession of a firearm and up to 10 years in prison for possession of a short-barreled rifle. Bishop’s jury trial is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
The case against Bishop is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating violent crime, illegal immigration, and transnational criminal organizations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.
The investigation and prosecution of Bishop’s case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to enforcing federal firearms laws and protecting communities from violent crime. As the case against Bishop moves forward, it will be up to the government to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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