Cantonment
Former Quincy City Manager Guilty in Federal Gun Trial in North Florida
A federal jury in Northwest Florida has convicted a former regional public official on federal weapons charges. Robert Edward Nixon Quincy FL now faces significant prison time after a two-day trial in Tallahassee. Why it matters Public safety and honest…
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Key points
- Former Quincy City Manager Robert Edward Nixon was convicted by a federal jury of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
- Law enforcement discovered two loaded handguns in Nixon’s nightstand during a home search in February 2026.
- Nixon faces up to 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 19, 2026.
NewsWK — A federal jury in Northwest Florida has convicted a former regional public official on federal weapons charges. Robert Edward Nixon Quincy FL now faces significant prison time after a two-day trial in Tallahassee.
Why it matters
Public safety and honest governance remain vital concerns for residents across Northwest Florida. When a former city manager violates federal law, it impacts public trust. This conviction highlights federal efforts to enforce gun laws through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. It also shows that law enforcement holds former public officials accountable for criminal conduct.
Former Quincy City Manager Guilty on Federal Gun Charges
Robert Edward Nixon, 61, of Quincy, Florida, served as the Quincy City Manager until his termination in June 2025. A federal jury in the Northern District of Florida federal court recently convicted Nixon of illegal firearm possession. He possessed weapons and ammunition despite being a convicted felon. The conviction followed a two-day trial in Tallahassee led by federal prosecutors.
Evidence presented against Robert Edward Nixon Quincy
Law enforcement officers discovered the illegal weapons during a search of Nixon’s home on February 10, 2026. Investigators found two loaded handguns inside his nightstand. Because Nixon had prior felony convictions, federal law prohibited him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated on the investigation, including:
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- The Office of the State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit
What is the criminal history of Robert Nixon Tallahassee law enforcement uncovered?
Nixon’s felony record dates back to 2011 in the Northern District of Florida federal court. At that time, federal prosecutors secured convictions against him for three financial felonies. These prior offenses directly led to his arrest and subsequent conviction in the recent firearms case.
His previous convictions included:
- Two counts of conspiracy to steal or misapply funds from an organization receiving federal assistance and commit wire fraud.
- One count of aiding and abetting or misapplying funds as a credit union employee.
When will the court sentence Nixon?
Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor will sentence Nixon on November 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The hearing will take place at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Nixon faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Okaloosa Correctional Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges
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