A Gainesville man was sentenced to 15 years as an armed career criminal due to numerous felony convictions for serious drug offenses and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to a Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office press release sent Thursday, James C. Mobley, 43, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a strong message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses,” said U.S. Attorney John Heekin in a press release. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, this armed felon has been called to account for his continued criminal conduct.”

On July 11, 2024, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers conducted a traffic stop of Mobley. During a search of Mobley’s vehicle, officers found a loaded revolver and various narcotics. Mobley pleaded guilty the day his trial was set to commence on April 28. Mobley was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for serious drug offenses.

“We have zero tolerance for gun crimes in our community,” said Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya in a press release. “My message to those who choose to bring guns and drugs to our streets – we will find you, and we will work with all our criminal justice partners to hold you accountable. Our community deserves safety,”

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by GPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.