Kenneth Ellis Wetherington, 60, of Gainesville, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, like this serial felon, is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like these to ensure our citizens can enjoy the safe streets they deserve,” U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said in a Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office press release sent on Thursday,
According to court documents, law enforcement officers were dispatched to an apartment complex on the evening of Nov. 21, 2025, following multiple reports of shots fired.
During the subsequent investigation, officers learned that Wetherington had discharged several “warning shots” from a firearm during a confrontation with other individuals on the property.
Law enforcement detained Wetherington and obtained a search warrant for his apartment. During the search, officers found a handgun, a shotgun and multiple types of ammunition.
Wetherington is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his criminal history, which includes 11 felony convictions and a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“This sentence is a reminder that there are consequences for violating the law,” said Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya in the release. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to hold those who illegally possess firearms accountable and help keep our community safe.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.