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Florida Man Faces 15 Years in Prison for Firearm Possession: What You Need to Know

Florida man indicted for firearm possession; faces up to 15 years in prison. Trial set for October.

September 11, 2025, 5:24 PM

A black and white close-up shows a gavel, handcuffs, and law books against a black background.

The stark contrast of the gavel, handcuffs, and law books against the black backdrop symbolizes the weight of justice and the legal process. By Miami Daily Life / MiamiDaily.Life.

Executive Summary

Jerney Jabara Purifoy, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Purifoy faces a potential sentence of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment if convicted, with his trial set for October 20, 2025.

This indictment is part of Operation Take Back America, a broader federal initiative by the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels, and protect communities from violent crime.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury for the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a specific federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment. This case is proceeding through the federal justice system, involving an arraignment and trial in a United States District Court, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Jerney Jabara Purifoy, a 33-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charge, announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, carries a potential sentence of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment if Purifoy is convicted.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Purifoy appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho for his arraignment on September 8, 2025, in federal court in Pensacola. His trial is currently set to commence on October 20, 2025, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

The investigation into this case was conducted jointly by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case for the government.

Context: Operation Take Back America

This indictment is part of a broader federal initiative known as Operation Take Back America. This nationwide effort mobilizes the full resources of the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from violent crime.

Operation Take Back America integrates and streamlines efforts from various Department of Justice programs, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of federal law enforcement in these critical areas.

Presumption of Innocence

It is important to note that an indictment represents an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has violated federal criminal law; it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial. During the trial, the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.