Tallahassee Sun

Willie Frank Gordon, 42, of Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced to twenty-two years in federal prison. This follows his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and federal supervised release violations. The announcement was made by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“The investigation and prosecution of armed drug traffickers – in this case by a repeat offender – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with federal drug and firearm violations.”

Gordon's arrest occurred on March 15, 2022, during a traffic stop for driving without a license. An inventory search revealed approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded pistol in a black backpack. Additionally found were a firearm holster in the glove box, three cell phones, and over $2,000 on Gordon’s person. Initially denying knowledge of these items, Gordon later admitted possession during an interview with investigators. Surveillance footage showed him carrying the black backpack to his vehicle about 30 minutes before the traffic stop.

Before this offense, Gordon had prior convictions in six state felony cases and one federal felony case involving drug trafficking and firearms offenses. At the time of his latest crime, he was on federal supervised release for previous convictions related to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition after serving 85 months in prison. His criminal history also includes violent offenses such as assault and battery.

Following his imprisonment term, Gordon will undergo five years of supervised release.

The investigation leading to this conviction was conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through evidence-based strategies involving various community stakeholders. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on violent offenders while partnering with local prevention and reentry programs for long-term crime reduction.

As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office advises residents to lock their car doors at night to prevent burglaries that often supply guns to criminals in Northern Florida.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices nationwide serving under the direction of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed online via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.