Recently Released State Prisoner Charged With Federal Firearm And Ammunition Offense

Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging David Stephen Shaw (36, Ocala) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Shaw faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Shaw that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and 129 rounds of ammunition.

According to the indictment, on December 5, 2019, Shaw was in possession of a firearm and numerous rounds of ammunition. He has eight prior state felony convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and trafficking in methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.