FORT MYERS, FL – Alphonso Lataurean James, 29, of Fort Myers, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to seven years and eight months for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell handed down the sentence, along with an order for James to forfeit the Glock handgun and ammunition seized during his arrest.
The case unfolded on August 10, 2022, when Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) officers pulled over a vehicle with James as a passenger. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock handgun, complete with an extended magazine, stashed inside a camouflage bag James had been seen carrying earlier that day. The discovery didn’t stop there. Nearby, in a velvet Crown Royal bag, officers found more than half an ounce of fentanyl, adding another layer to the charges against James.
As a convicted felon, James was already legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This wasn’t a simple oversight; it was a calculated risk that landed him in federal court. He pleaded guilty on March 7, 2023, acknowledging his violation of federal gun laws. The prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth, built a solid case based on the physical evidence and James’s criminal history.
The ATF, alongside the FMPD and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, spearheaded the investigation. This wasn’t an isolated incident, but rather part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) – a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement agencies and local communities. The PSN program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and focusing enforcement efforts on the most pressing threats.
The sentencing of James is a clear message: illegally possessing firearms while being a convicted felon will not be tolerated. The ATF’s Tampa Field Division played a key role in securing this conviction. This case underscores the ongoing battle against gun violence and the commitment of federal and local agencies to keep communities safe. The forfeiture of the weapon ensures it won’t end up back on the streets.
The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg, continues to prioritize cases involving illegal firearms and drug trafficking. This conviction highlights the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the serious consequences faced by those who violate federal gun laws and contribute to the flow of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl into Florida communities.
Related Federal Cases
- James Wiley Kelley Jr. Sentenced for Machine Gun Possession, Alabama 2023 · Ohio
- Jonnetric Ivey, Loaded Firearm Possession, Fort Myers FL, 2024 · Florida
- Etavious J. Milton Faces Federal Gun Possession Charge, Tallahassee… · Virginia
- Patrick Willie Smith, Gun Possession with Loaded Firearm, FL 2024 · Virginia
- Brandon Williams, Heroin and Gun Possession, Florida 2015 · Virginia
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