Ocala Felon Guell Admits to Illegal Gun Possession After Self-Inflicted Wound

OCALA, FL – Michael Guell, 37, of Ocala, Florida, is facing serious federal time after admitting to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction. Guell pleaded guilty this week to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled, but Guell’s attempt to cover up the truth didn’t hold water.

The case began to unravel on November 28, 2018, when Guell showed up at an Ocala-area hospital riddled with gunshot wounds. Initially, Guell spun a tale of being robbed and shot by an unknown assailant. He claimed he was the victim of a violent attack, hoping to mislead investigators. However, the story quickly crumbled under scrutiny.

Ocala Police didn’t buy it. A quick look at Guell’s vehicle, located near the hospital, revealed a different story. Shell casings and handgun ammunition were clearly visible through the car windows, immediately raising red flags. When confronted with this evidence during a second interview, Guell confessed. He admitted to being intoxicated in his car and accidentally shooting himself – a far cry from the image of a helpless victim.

A thorough search of Guell’s vehicle turned up a semi-automatic handgun, 26 rounds of ammunition, and multiple spent shell casings, cementing the evidence against him. The fact that Guell was a convicted felon made the situation even more damning. Federal law explicitly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Ocala Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton is prosecuting the case, ensuring Guell faces the full weight of the law. This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime.

PSN takes a comprehensive approach to public safety, combining aggressive investigation and prosecution of criminals with prevention and reentry programs. U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida coordinates these efforts, working with a network of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Guell’s case serves as a stark reminder that attempting to illegally possess a firearm as a convicted felon will be met with swift and severe consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing.