JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Edward Sherwood Gustafson, IV, 30, Green Cove Springs pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Gustafson faces a minimum mandatory term of five years, up to 40 years in federal prison on the drug charge and up to 15 years in federal prison on the firearm and ammunition charge.

Gustafson also agreed to forfeit a Smith and Wesson pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition traceable to the firearm offense. Gustafson was arrested on May 9 and ordered detained. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on Jan. 21, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office members were looking for Gustafson based on an active felony arrest warrant. A CCSO deputy observed Gustafson driving and initiated a traffic stop. Upon stopping, Gustafson immediately got out of his truck and struggled with the deputy. The deputy eventually handcuffed and arrested Gustafson on the felony arrest warrant.

During a subsequent search of Gustafson’s truck, law enforcement located a loaded Smith and Wesson pistol. Underneath the truck’s hood, a travel bag was zip-tied to the engine bay area, which contained cocaine, methamphetamine, a scale for weighing drugs, approximately 50 small baggies, and numerous pills. Further investigation determined the total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 22 grams and that Gustafson had seven prior felony convictions, including felony domestic battery, fleeing and eluding law enforcement and shooting a deadly missile. As a convicted felon, Gustafson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by CCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. Assistant U.S. Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer.

On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.