Ocala Felon Sentenced To More Than 8 Years For Possessing A Firearm

Ocala, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Karon Dawson (38, Ocala) to eight years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2017.

According to court documents, on March 15, 2017, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office followed Dawson’s vehicle after they had witnessed him engage in a drug transaction. When Dawson observed the unmarked patrol car, he fled and led the deputies on a chase, ultimately abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. After a brief chase, Dawson was arrested in an Ocala neighborhood. Inside his abandoned vehicle, deputies recovered plastic packets containing small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

At the time of the incident, Dawson had 16 prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (Gainesville) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.