Pensacola Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Clifford B. Gandy Jr., 26, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison after an October 2016 jury conviction of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In May 2016, an officer walking on patrol observed Gandy inside a running vehicle in a public parking lot with three bags containing a white powder on Gandy’s lap.  Another officer confirmed this observation.  As the officers approached, Gandy attempted to reverse the vehicle to escape capture.  The officers drew their weapons and prevented Gandy from leaving.  While one officer removed Gandy from the vehicle, a digital scale and cocaine bags fell onto the ground.  A vehicle search revealed $800 in cash and a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the closed center console along with a bag of marijuana.  The firearm was stolen, and Gandy is a multi-convicted felon.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Pensacola Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.