Antoine Danielle Pearson Jr., Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon, Florida 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Antoine Danielle Pearson Jr., 28, is headed to federal prison for more than three years after a brazen flight from Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers last year. U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard handed down the sentence Wednesday, along with a three-year supervised release period, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The case unfolded August 12, 2022, when JSO attempted a traffic stop. Instead of complying, Pearson bolted, ditching his vehicle while armed with a Glock pistol. Investigators quickly discovered the pistol wasn’t just any handgun; it was loaded with an extended 24-round magazine and equipped with a “Glock switch” – a cheap, readily available device that transforms a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machine gun. Pearson was ultimately taken down by JSO canine units.

Pearson’s criminal history is extensive. Court documents reveal multiple prior felony convictions, rendering him legally prohibited from owning any firearms or ammunition. This wasn’t a first-time offense, and the judge clearly recognized that fact when issuing the 37-month sentence. The Glock pistol and ammunition used in the commission of the crime have been ordered forfeited to the government.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro prosecuted the case, with forfeiture handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mai Tran. The government’s case hinged on clear evidence linking Pearson to the illegal firearm and his documented criminal past.

Federal officials are framing the case as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations. Launched in 2021, the updated PSN strategy emphasizes building trust, supporting community groups, and focusing enforcement efforts on the most pressing threats.

Pearson’s case underscores the ongoing struggle to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals with a history of violent crime. While the sentence provides a temporary reprieve for Jacksonville residents, the ease with which Pearson obtained a modified Glock highlights the challenges of stemming the flow of illegal weapons and the need for continued vigilance from law enforcement.

Related Federal Cases