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By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A Gainesville man, Willie Harvey Dunn Jr., 24, has been taken into custody following the discovery of over 800 grams of marijuana and a firearm in his car during a routine traffic stop.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. on February 26, when a Gainesville Police Department officer pulled Dunn over due to a broken brake light. As the officer approached the vehicle, he detected the distinct odor of burnt marijuana and observed two burned “joints” in plain sight. Dunn reportedly admitted he did not possess a medical marijuana card and acknowledged the faulty brake light. Additionally, the officer noted the presence of a pistol on the front passenger seat.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities reportedly found a loaded pistol containing 14 rounds, along with a backpack containing 806.3 grams of marijuana. The marijuana was divided into bags of approximately 30 grams each. The search also yielded empty baggies with marijuana residue and a digital scale. A “roach” and loose “shake” were discovered in the center console. Dunn was found carrying $2,695 in cash, comprised of various denominations.
After being read his Miranda rights, Dunn allegedly stated that the cash was his and claimed it had been given to him by his cousin, though he refused to disclose the cousin’s name. He asserted that the firearm belonged to him and that he was legally carrying it. Dunn declined to comment on the marijuana found in the vehicle.
Dunn has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of drug sales, and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, he has no criminal history; a May 2024 arrest for grand theft of a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a park, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony can no longer be found in the court system. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $100,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.