By Staff Writer
ALACHUA, Fla. – An 18-year-old Gainesville resident, Dealijah Depatrick Seay, is facing drug and firearm charges following a traffic stop in Alachua. The incident unfolded on February 1, when Florida Highway Patrol intervened due to multiple traffic violations.
At approximately 4:21 p.m., a trooper stopped Seay’s vehicle, which was clocked at 65 mph in a zone limited to 45 mph. Additionally, the vehicle displayed a tag not registered to it, raising further suspicion. The trooper also believed the window tint was darker than legally allowed, a suspicion later confirmed.
Seay pulled over on U.S. Highway 441 near NW 129th Terrace. During the stop, he reportedly admitted to driving at 60 mph in the 45 mph zone. The trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car.
Upon being asked to exit the vehicle, Seay allegedly volunteered information about possessing both a handgun and marijuana. He estimated having around “8 grams” of the substance.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 21 grams of marijuana, a marijuana grinder, and a loaded 9mm handgun. The firearm was accompanied by three loaded magazines and a box of 9mm ammunition, according to reports.
The pistol was reported stolen in Gainesville in 2025.
Post Miranda, Seay reportedly said the marijuana and the pistol were his. He said he had no idea the pistol was stolen and that he had bought it from a co-worker for $320 in December 2025; he said his co-worker told him the gun was not stolen.
Seay has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a stolen firearm, purchase of a firearm by an individual under 21 years of age, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling drugs, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, and having a tag attached to his vehicle that was not assigned to the vehicle. He has no criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $49,000 but ordered that he could be screened for day reporting and released if accepted; she also set a curfew of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., except for work and school purposes.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
