PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Zackery Chase Brunson, 33, of Shalimar, Florida, is facing a substantial prison sentence after admitting to illegally possessing a cache of firearms. The plea, entered today, confirms Brunson knowingly violated federal law as a convicted felon, putting him squarely in the crosshairs of the justice system.
According to U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin, the bust represents a win for law enforcement and a step toward reclaiming communities from violent offenders. “I applaud the substantial efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners to make our community safer by getting this dangerous repeat offender off the streets,” Heekin stated. He further connected the case to the broader “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative championed by former President Donald J. Trump and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The bust unfolded in January 2025, when officers executed a search warrant at Brunson’s Shalimar residence. The search revealed a disturbing arsenal: two rifles, a shotgun, three pistols, and a substantial quantity of ammunition. This wasn’t a first offense; Brunson was already prohibited from owning firearms due to prior convictions for both possession of a firearm by a convicted felon *and* possession of a controlled substance. He’s a repeat offender who clearly disregards the law.
Brunson now faces up to fifteen years behind bars, along with a mandatory three years of supervised release following his incarceration. A $250,000 fine hangs over his head, a hefty penalty for his blatant disregard for the law. This isn’t about taking away someone’s rights; it’s about protecting the public from individuals who have already demonstrated a propensity for criminal behavior.
The investigation was a coordinated effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case, ensuring Brunson is held accountable for his actions. The collaborative nature of this investigation underscores the commitment to tackling gun crime across jurisdictional lines.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, where United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, will deliver the final verdict. “Operation Take Back America” aims to dismantle criminal organizations and protect communities. Public court documents can be accessed via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For further information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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