In Gainesville, Florida, Dean Allen Harper, aged 55, has admitted guilt in a federal courtroom to possessing an unmarked and unregistered silencer, a device classified as a firearm under federal law. This development was confirmed by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin from the Northern District of Florida.

“The diligent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners has been crucial in removing dangerous, armed individuals from our streets,” stated U.S. Attorney Heekin. “Our office remains committed to supporting their efforts through vigorous prosecutions under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America initiative, aimed at protecting our communities from violent crime.”

According to court documents, Harper was pulled over by law enforcement on November 21, 2025. During the traffic stop, officers discovered an array of firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle. Specifically, Harper was found to be carrying two rifles, two pistols, several magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing types. Notably, one pistol featured an automotive oil filter that had been modified into a makeshift suppressor.

The suppressor, fashioned from an oil filter attached via an aftermarket threaded barrel, lacked a serial number and was not recorded in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, making it illegal.

For further details, refer to the Alachua Chronicle’s report on the incident.

Click here for Alachua Chronicle’s report on his arrest.

At sentencing, the defendant faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

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.