TALLAHASSEE, FL – Two men from the small Florida town of Havana are facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury this week. Nicholas Wayne Finley, 27, and Jason Dean Atkinson, 42, both of Havana, are accused of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, a clear violation of federal law for convicted felons.
According to an announcement from United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, both men have been formally charged with one count each of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The charges carry a hefty potential sentence: up to fifteen years in federal prison per count. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; this is a serious escalation, and the feds are clearly sending a message.
The pair made their initial appearance in federal court on August 11, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. A trial date has been set for October 20, 2025, at 8:15 a.m., to be presided over by United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. The wheels of justice are turning, and these men will have their day in court – but the odds are stacked against them.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), indicating the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain will be leading the prosecution, meaning the government is bringing significant firepower to bear. Details regarding the specifics of the firearms or prior convictions have not yet been released, but we at Grimy Times will be digging for those details.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Both Finley and Atkinson are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the charges themselves are damning, and the potential consequences are severe. This case falls under the umbrella of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels, and tackling violent crime. The Department of Justice is throwing everything it has at these problems, and these two men are now caught in the crosshairs.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, providing updates as they become available. For those interested in accessing public court documents, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Operation Take Back America details can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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