Russell Found Guilty of Illegally Possessing Firearm

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Gerald Russell guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. With the verdict, Russell faces up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Jonathan Sacks will sentence Russell at a later date.

On May 13, 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office went to a Kings Street gas station after receiving reports of a stolen vehicle. When they arrived, a witness told them a black male wearing a green hat — later identified as Russell — was in front of the business pointing a gun at people. Officers then saw Russell near the gas pumps, where he appeared agitated. He was taken into custody without incident. Surveillance footage showed Russell in an argument with another person who attempted to punch him in the head. In response, Russell is shown pulling out a handgun and pointing it at the person before walking off screen toward the gas pumps. The witness told officers he saw Russell throw the gun in the trash; officers found the loaded gun in the trash. Post-Miranda, Russell told officers he threw the gun away because he was a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Susan Haag and Trinity Turinetti.