A Gainesville man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to a Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office press release sent on Friday, Ethan Anderson, 44, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison.

 “Our law enforcement partners play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Coody in the release. “Due to their swift action, a habitual felon who discharged a firearm during a heated argument is back where he belongs, behind bars. His incarceration will not only make the community safer but also illustrate the real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”

On Feb. 28, 2023, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to the report of an armed disturbance. After arriving at the scene, officers discovered that a subject, later identified as Anderson, had possessed and discharged a firearm while in an argument with others.

Anderson was located at a nearby residence and a search of the residence revealed the firearm that contained Anderson’s DNA. He later admitted to possessing and discharging the gun.

 “The FBI is committed to safeguarding our communities from violent crime,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler in the press release. “This sentencing should serve as a message that we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners and use all tools available to tackle the issue of gun violence in our neighborhoods and ensure those who commit violent acts are punished to the full extent of the law.”

Following Anderson’s prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.