JACKSONVILLE – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Edward Sherwood Gustafson IV, 31, Green Cove Springs, to six years and four months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Gustafson to forfeit a Smith and Wesson pistol and 15 rounds of ammo traceable to the firearm offense. Gustafson was arrested on May 9, 2023, and ordered detained. He entered a guilty plea on Aug. 31.

According to court documents, on Jan. 21, 2023, Clay County Sheriff’s Office members sought Gustafson based on an active felony arrest warrant. A CCSO deputy observed him driving and initiated a traffic stop. Upon stopping, Gustafson immediately exited his truck, and a struggle ensued between him and the deputy. The deputy eventually handcuffed and arrested Gustafson based on the felony arrest warrant. During a subsequent search of Gustafson’s truck, officers 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 that 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 is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

“As we fight the scourge of drugs that plague our communities, we are grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will continue to hold accountable those who choose to sell this poison on our streets,” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook.

The case was investigated by CCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein prosecuted it.  

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.