Wayne Allen Phillips, Jr., Gun Possession, Florida 2023

Wayne Allen Phillips, Jr., a 45-year-old Brooksville man, has been found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon in a federal court in Florida.

Phillips, who qualifies for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2023.

The guilty verdict comes after a trial in which prosecutors presented testimony and evidence that showed Phillips was caught with a loaded revolver in his pants pocket during a foot chase with deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Phillips had been attempting to evade arrest on another matter.

According to the prosecution, Phillips had been searched incident to his arrest, and deputies located the revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition in his pants pocket. As a previously convicted felon, Phillips is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The investigation into Phillips’ case was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being handled by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Phillips’ indictment was issued on March 29, 2022, and his guilty verdict marks a significant blow to the scourge of gun violence in Florida. This case highlights the importance of community-based initiatives in preventing violence and reducing gun crime in our communities.

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