By Staff Writers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 19-year-old Gainesville resident, DaMorie Lamontay Miles, has entered a guilty plea in federal court to charges of intending to distribute marijuana and dealing with an unregistered firearm. The announcement of the plea was made by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated, “Engaging in drug trafficking and handling illegal firearms in the Northern District of Florida leads directly to federal incarceration. Our office is committed to enforcing this through Operation Take Back America, which pledges to devote extensive resources to ensure our communities remain safe and free from drugs. This successful prosecution exemplifies that commitment.”
Initial Arrest Details
Miles was taken into custody on September 3, 2025, in Gainesville. He faced state charges for selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school and using a property to facilitate drug sales. This arrest followed the execution of a search warrant at his home while he was under house arrest. Subsequently, Miles was also charged with attempted premeditated murder, firing into a dwelling, and conspiracy to commit murder, after police alleged that he had directed two juveniles to open fire on an occupied residence.
Court records reflect that the defendant was communicating via text message and social media with others to buy and sell marijuana and to obtain a machine gun conversion device (MCD). The MCD and 600 grams of marijuana were found when the search warrant was executed at his residence.
If convicted on all counts, Miles faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.