Wendell Doyle Goney, Illegal Firearm Possession, Florida 2021

Grimy Times has learned that Wendell Doyle Goney, a 52-year-old man from Mount Dora, Florida, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This comes after a bizarre incident involving a law enforcement drone that Goney claimed had been ‘harassing’ him.

According to prosecutors, Goney shot down a law enforcement drone with a .22 caliber rifle on July 11, 2021, in Mount Dora. Deputies responded to a burglary at a 10-acre business property and were using the drone to assist with the outdoor search. Goney claimed that the drone had been ‘harassing’ him, but admitted to the deputies that he could not lawfully possess a firearm because of his 29 prior Florida felony convictions.

Those convictions include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, illegal drug possession, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Goney is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

As part of his plea agreement, Goney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The investigation into Goney’s actions was led by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant – Wendell Doyle Goney, Criminal Charges – Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, City and State – Ocala, Florida, Exact Date – July 11, 2021, Sentence or Outcome – Maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

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