Ocala Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug, Firearm, And Theft Charges

Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, announces that William Deboris Gordon, III (41, Ocala) today pleaded guilty, in two separate criminal cases, to charges of attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of firearms affecting commerce by a convicted felon, and theft of government property by filing false income tax returns.  He faces a minimum mandatory of 20 years, up to life in federal prison on the drug offense and a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the firearm and theft offenses.  A sentencing date has yet to be set. 

According to the plea agreements, Gordon met with an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in Marion County, Florida, on March 18, 2013.  During the recorded meeting, Gordon described his extensive network for distributing cocaine and his need to acquire kilograms of cocaine in order to supply his customers.  When the agent and Gordon met again several days later, the agent showed Gordon five kilograms of cocaine.  Gordon immediately agreed to purchase the drugs and was arrested.  A search of Gordon’s vehicle revealed more than $60,000 in cash that Gordon had intended to use to purchase the cocaine.  A subsequent search of his home revealed two loaded firearms, marijuana and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a cocaine press. 

According to court documents, Gordon had a prior felony conviction for a state cocaine distribution offense, which prohibited him from possessing firearms.  A separate financial investigation also showed that Gordon had obtained more than $763,900 in fraudulent refunds through the filing of false income tax returns from November 2011 through March 2013.  

This case was investigated by DEA; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and the United States Secret Service.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., and Samuel D. Armstrong.