Nassau County Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Firearm Charges

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Shavon Tavin Anderson (22, Nassau County) yesterday pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, as part of a Drug Enforcement Administration task force operation in Nassau County, Florida, on February 6, 2015, Anderson met with a member of the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office acting in an undercover (UC) capacity. During the meeting, Anderson sold the UC cocaine and marijuana. A week later, he again met with the UC and sold him cocaine.

On March 5, 2015, Anderson met with the UC as part of an arranged drug sale, during which he was supposed to provide the UC with a half kilogram of powder cocaine in exchange for $24,000. Upon arrival, Anderson provided the UC with a smaller amount of what was later determined to be fake cocaine. When law enforcement agents moved toward the vehicle to arrest Anderson, he exited and began running. As he fled, officers observed a firearm tucked inside the waistband of Anderson’s pants. After a brief pursuit, Anderson was arrested and the loaded firearm was recovered.

As a previously convicted felon, Anderson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.