JACKSONVILLE, FL – Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr., 24, of Jacksonville, is facing federal charges after allegedly attempting to skirt gun laws by purchasing a firearm for someone who was legally barred from owning one. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, which was announced Monday by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
According to the indictment, Bodiford, Jr. walked into Cash City Pawn in Jacksonville on July 2, 2021, and purchased a Glock pistol. But he wasn’t buying it for himself. Federal prosecutors allege Bodiford, Jr. knowingly lied to the dealer, claiming he was the true purchaser when, in reality, he was acting as a straw buyer for an individual prohibited from possessing firearms.
The scheme, if proven, represents a clear violation of federal law designed to keep guns out of the hands of those deemed dangerous. Providing false information to a federal firearms dealer isn’t a minor paperwork issue; it’s a deliberate attempt to circumvent the system and potentially arm criminals. The U.S. Attorney’s office intends to seize the Glock pistol and any associated ammunition as evidence and forfeiture if Bodiford, Jr. is convicted.
If found guilty, Bodiford, Jr. is looking at a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars. The indictment serves as a formal accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro is leading the prosecution, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mai Tran handling the forfeiture proceedings.
This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, violence prevention programs, targeted enforcement, and measurable results.
The investigation and prosecution highlight the ATF’s ongoing commitment to tracing illegal firearms and holding accountable those who attempt to bypass federal gun laws. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF played a key role in building the case against Bodiford, Jr., signaling a continued focus on firearms-related offenses in the region.
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