Executive Summary
- Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 42, of Pensacola, has been federally indicted on charges of arson by means of an explosive device, causing damage and personal injury in Fort Walton Beach.
- If convicted, Simonds faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a potential maximum of 40 years in federal prison.
- This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting violent crime, and was investigated by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.
Laws and Precedent
- Gregory E. Simonds Jr. has been federally indicted on charges of arson by means of an explosive device, indicating prosecution under specific federal statutes governing such offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum of 40 years, highlighting the severe penalties stipulated by federal law for these types of crimes. The case proceeds under the U.S. federal judicial system, where an indictment is an allegation by a grand jury, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Pensacola, FL – Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 42, of Pensacola, has been federally indicted on charges of arson by means of an explosive device, which allegedly damaged a building located at 792 Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach and caused personal injury. The charges were announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
Simonds is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on August 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. This proceeding will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
If convicted, Simonds faces severe penalties under federal law. He could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, with a potential maximum term extending up to 40 years in prison.
Investigation and Prosecution
The federal indictment is the result of a collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) led the probe.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also provided crucial assistance throughout the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case for the government.
Operation Take Back America
This case is being pursued as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a comprehensive nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice. The operation is designed to leverage full federal resources to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from various Department programs, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Legal Presumption of Innocence
It is important to emphasize that an indictment is merely an allegation made by a grand jury that a defendant has violated federal criminal law. It does not constitute evidence of guilt.
All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial. During such a trial, the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Simonds’ upcoming court appearance marks a critical step in the federal judicial process, underscoring the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to address serious violent offenses within the Northern District of Florida.
