Tampa, Florida – Gabriel Gladman, a 23-year-old from Akron, Ohio, entered a guilty plea in response to charges involving the deceitful acquisition and distribution of firearms to minors. The case, presented by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, involved a 14-count indictment with severe implications for firearm safety and law enforcement.
Acquisition and Distribution of Firearms
According to court documents, Gladman faced eight counts of providing false statements to federally licensed firearm dealers and six counts of unlawfully transferring handguns to juveniles. Each count related to providing false statements carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Additionally, each act of transferring a handgun to a minor could lead to one year in federal prison. A sentencing date for Gladman has not been announced.
During multiple instances, Gladman purchased firearms from licensed dealers in Tampa, falsely claiming he was the actual purchaser. On the same occasions, he illegally transferred these firearms to underage individuals. This deceit not only breached legal protocols but also posed significant risks to community safety.
Forfeiture and Legal Proceedings
As part of his plea agreement, Gladman will forfeit eight firearms linked to his crimes. These include various models such as a Glock .26, FMK 9C1, Taurus G3, and two Tara TM-9X semi-automatic firearms, among others. The forfeiture highlights the serious nature of the offenses and the legal consequences of such illegal activities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Tampa Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to Gladman’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Guzman and Suzanne Nebesky, who is handling the firearm forfeitures, are prosecuting the case.
A Broader Initiative Against Gun Violence
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
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On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results
