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Frank Thomas Diviak, 23, Arrested for Possessing Firearm as Convicted Felon
Ocala, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, Frank Thomas Diviak, 23, of Altoona, Florida, was arrested on December 4, 2023, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee. If convicted, Diviak faces up to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and up to 10 years in prison each for possessing the stolen firearm and stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee.
According to court records, Diviak was previously convicted of three state felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. On the fateful day of his arrest, Diviak went into a Lake County pawn shop, took a revolver off a display, and put it in his pocket. He fled the store on his bicycle but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement.
As Diviak raised his hands to surrender to the officers, the stolen revolver fell out of his clothing and onto the ground. This brazen act has left many in the community stunned and concerned for public safety. As a convicted felon, Diviak is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eustis Police Department. It will be 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 violent crime reduction strategy was launched, 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.
The community is left wondering how a convicted felon was able to obtain a firearm, and what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: Frank Thomas Diviak will face the full force of the law for his alleged crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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