Robert Randall Deen, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Destructive Device, Florida 2019

Jacksonville Couple Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Firearms and Destructive Device

A Jacksonville couple has been sentenced to prison for possessing firearms and a destructive device while an unlawful user of a controlled substance and a convicted felon, respectively.

Robert Randall Deen, 60, and Shannon Jeanette Heller, 42, both of Jacksonville, Florida, were sentenced to three years and four months in federal prison for possessing firearms while an unlawful user of a controlled substance (Deen) and possessing firearms as a convicted felon (Heller).

The couple was arrested on December 7, 2018, after a search warrant was executed at their apartment on Gate Parkway in Jacksonville. During the search, authorities recovered two rifles, a pistol, a shotgun, and a flare launcher with bore adapters that converted it into a destructive device.

According to court documents, Deen had been referred to a felony drug court diversion program in Duval County following his arrest in October 2018 for possessing cocaine and a handgun. Heller, who was Deen's long-time girlfriend, sold three rifles and two pistols to a confidential informant at Deen's direction in December 2018. Both Deen and Heller were prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law at the time.

Heller admitted that she had traded two other firearms to drug dealers in order to settle drug debts. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

This case was prosecuted as part of the 'Project Safe Neighborhoods' Program, a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. The program involves a comprehensive approach to public safety, including investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.

The couple's sentencing marks another success for the 'Project Safe Neighborhoods' Program in the Middle District of Florida, where U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates efforts with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Robert Randall Deen, Exact Criminal Charges: Possessing firearms while an unlawful user of a controlled substance and possessing firearms as a convicted felon, City and State: Jacksonville, Florida, Exact Date: December 7, 2018, Sentence or Outcome: Three years and four months in federal prison, Dollar Amounts: None.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jacksonville-couple-sentenced-prison-possessing-firearms-and-destructive-device