OCALA, FL – William Scott Fogg, 37, of Altoona, Florida, is facing federal charges after allegedly brandishing a pistol and threatening to shoot his girlfriend and her children. The incident, which occurred August 28, 2023, led to his arrest and a December 20, 2023, federal grand jury indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Fogg isn’t a stranger to the inside of a jail cell. He’s racked up eight felony convictions since 2008, including burglary, grand theft, and various drug offenses. Federal law explicitly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition – a rule Fogg allegedly disregarded when he entered the vehicle occupied by his girlfriend and her kids.
The indictment details a terrifying scene. Fogg reportedly pulled a loaded pistol from the truck’s center console, racked the slide, and threatened to kill everyone inside. Responding Lake County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene, took Fogg into custody, and recovered the weapon. The timing of the threat, with children present, adds a particularly disturbing element to the case.
If convicted, Fogg faces a stiff penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison. The case is being spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Nowalk, and is the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. While an indictment represents a formal accusation, Fogg is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg’s office is framing this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broader initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, alongside community-based prevention programs. But for the victims in this case, the program offers little comfort until Fogg is held accountable for his actions.
The federal government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals like Fogg underscores the dangers posed by repeat offenders illegally possessing firearms. The ATF’s Tampa Field Division played a critical role in the investigation, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of flouting those laws.
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