Austin Charles Wesley, Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm, Florida 2024

Fort Myers, Florida – In a disturbing case of gun crime, Austin Charles Wesley, a 25-year-old Lehigh Acres resident, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm.

Wesley, a multi-time convicted felon, was pulled over for speeding on October 24, 2024, by the Florida Highway Patrol on SR-82 in Lee County. During the traffic stop, law enforcement located a loaded Walther .22 caliber handgun concealed underneath Wesley’s clothing.

As a convicted felon, Wesley is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Fort Myers Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth is handling the prosecution.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. PSN brings together all levels of law enforcement and community organizations to foster trust and legitimacy, support community-based initiatives, and set strategic enforcement priorities.

Austin Charles Wesley, born in 1999, was previously sentenced in Florida state prison for various crimes. This conviction is not just a personal failing, but a threat to public safety. We must hold individuals like Wesley accountable for their actions to keep our communities safe.

The PSN program has been instrumental in reducing violent crime and gun violence in Florida. By working together, we can create safer neighborhoods for everyone. Wesley’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of this effort.

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