Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Zackery Chase Brunson, 33, of Shalimar, Florida, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The plea stems from a January 2025 search of his residence, where law enforcement discovered multiple firearms and ammunition, despite his prior felony convictions prohibiting such possession.
Plea Announced by U.S. Attorney
The guilty plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, who commended the collaborative efforts of state and federal law enforcement. “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.
Heekin further emphasized the case’s alignment with broader initiatives, noting, “This is yet another important case by my office fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by aggressively pursuing criminal offenders to keep our communities safe.”
Firearms Discovery
According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Brunson’s Shalimar residence in January 2025. During the search, officers located a significant cache of weapons, including two rifles, a shotgun, and three pistols, along with various types of ammunition.
Brunson was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his extensive criminal history, which includes prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance.
Potential Penalties and Sentencing
For his guilty plea, Brunson now faces severe penalties, including a maximum of fifteen years in federal prison. He also faces three years of supervised release following his incarceration and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, is scheduled to preside over Brunson’s sentencing on November 13, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
Joint Law Enforcement Effort
The successful prosecution resulted from a joint investigation involving multiple agencies. Key contributors to the case included the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Brunson’s guilty plea underscores the ongoing commitment of federal and local authorities to combat illegal firearm possession and enhance public safety within Florida communities.
