Twenty-Two Time Convicted Felon Charged With Being A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Michler Gabriel (38, Tampa) with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Gabriel faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Gabriel that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.

According to the indictment, on September 26, 2019, Gabriel was found to be in possession of a firearm and several rounds of ammunition. Gabriel was previously convicted of 22 felonies, including drug and firearm offenses, child abuse, and forgery. As a previous convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.