Tampa, FL – Jamal Dixon, a 23-year-old resident of Ruskin, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentencing was handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland, who was serving by designation from the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. Dixon, who pleaded guilty in December 2024, has also been ordered to forfeit the firearm involved in the case.
The incident leading to Dixon’s arrest occurred on April 4, 2024, when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies conducted surveillance at a Tampa location to apprehend him on an outstanding warrant. Upon exiting a residence, Dixon placed a backpack in a vehicle and attempted to flee when deputies approached. During his escape, he dropped a Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Deputies later found Dixon hiding under a vehicle in a nearby driveway. A search of his backpack revealed over 450 grams of marijuana, digital scales, and a large number of plastic baggies. The Glock pistol was reported stolen, and its magazine had a capacity of up to 22 rounds of ammunition.
Dixon’s previous felony convictions for discharging a firearm in public and possession of controlled substances with intent to sell or deliver prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. Launched in May 2021, the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focuses on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating results.
