In a federal court ruling in Gainesville, Florida, 21-year-old Jaquan Tyrell Calhoun received a sentence of five years and ten months for possession of a machine gun, as announced by John P. Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the determination of his office to uphold commitments made under the Trump administration to combat violent crime. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of state and federal law enforcement agencies in apprehending Calhoun, pledging that his office will continue to rigorously enforce federal laws against such offenses.
According to court documents, Calhoun, identified as a gang member, frequently shared images and videos on social media in which he displayed firearms, including several instances where he fired machine guns. On April 21, 2024, Calhoun and an accomplice, Lagarius Johnson, streamed a live video showcasing cash and firearms. In the footage, Calhoun brandished a Glock pistol that had been illegally modified to function as a machine gun. That same night, Johnson was apprehended with the altered Glock, confirmed to be a machine gun.
Previously, in August, Lagarius Johnson was sentenced to over 35 years in federal prison for his involvement.
“Calhoun’s irresponsible and dangerous behavior in flaunting a machine gun on social media posed a significant threat to public safety,” stated FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This sentencing underscores our dedication to collaborating with federal and local partners to eradicate violent and organized crime in our communities.”
“Calhoun’s decision to flaunt a machine gun on social media highlighted the recklessness that endangers our communities,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to working side by side with our federal and local partners to stop violent and organized criminal activity in our communities.”
“The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to combat gun violence in our community by working closely with our state and federal partners to locate and apprehend criminals like Jaquan Calhoun — individuals who have no business possessing a firearm, let alone one illegally modified into a deadly automatic weapon,” stated Sheriff Chad Scott, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The case involved an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Eric W. Welch prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
