Rico Allen Gandy, Illegal Possession Of A Firearm, Florida 2025

Orlando, Florida – Rico Allen Gandy, a 47-year-old Orlando resident and convicted felon, was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to federal court documents.

Gandy pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, to the charges, and the court ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition related to the offense.

According to court documents, Gandy was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the Orlando Police Department’s Tactical Anti-Crime Unit. Initially, the driver refused to stop before pulling over, and Gandy attempted to walk away from the scene. Officers detained Gandy and recovered a bag he had left behind, which contained his Florida identification card, several baggies of crack cocaine, MDMA, marijuana, and a loaded 9mm Springfield pistol.

Gandy is a six-time convicted felon, making him prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Courtney Richardson-Jones.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and the communities they serve. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy in 2021 based on four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Gandy’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, and the importance of holding convicted felons accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to possessing firearms. This case serves as a reminder of the need for continued community engagement and cooperation in preventing violent crime and gun violence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is committed to keeping the community safe and holding accountable those who engage in violent and illegal activities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to implement the PSN strategy and reduce violent crime in our communities.

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