Nicholas Allen Groves, Firearms Possession, Florida 2024

Ocala Convicted Felon Arrested for Firearms Possession

Nicholas Allen Groves, a convicted felon, has been arrested in Ocala for possessing 25 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

According to the criminal complaint, Groves has a 2012 felony conviction in Maryland for assault-first Degree. That incident involved Groves threatening another person with a firearm. Because of this felony conviction, Groves is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

On November 6, 2019, federal agents executed a search warrant on an Ocala residence where Groves lived alone. Inside the residence, agents recovered at least 25 firearms (including AR-15 and AK-47 rifles), hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and personal identification documents belonging to Groves. Among the recovered ammunition, agents located three military-style 40mm smoke and parachute rounds.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation 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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Ocala Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the ‘Project Safe Neighborhoods’ Program, a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.

U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez said, ‘This case is a prime example of the PSN program’s success in reducing violent crime in our communities. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable.’

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