Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30, Ocala) on an indictment charging him with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Franklin had been indicted on May 24, 2022.
According to the indictment, Franklin has four prior state felony convictions, including two convictions for attempted second degree murder with a firearm (2010), shooting at or into an occupied vehicle (2010), and possession of a firearm by a delinquent (2010). On September 30, 2021, Franklin possessed a handgun. As a convicted felon, Franklin is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.