Chester Risco, Illegal Firearm Possession, Florida 2023

NORTH FORT MYERS, FL – Chester Lewis Risco, III, 20, is facing a substantial prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The case, built by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), highlights the ongoing struggle to keep weapons out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.

The incident unfolded on April 27, 2023, when a Lee County deputy spotted Risco committing multiple traffic violations while riding a bicycle. A pursuit ensued, and when apprehended, officers discovered Risco carrying a loaded Taurus pistol tucked into a holster in his waistband. This wasn’t a simple traffic stop gone awry; Risco already had a felony conviction on his record, automatically disqualifying him from legally possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Adding to the complexity, Risco was also under court-ordered supervision at the time of the arrest.

Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan, secured the guilty plea. Risco now faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Beyond incarceration, Risco has agreed to forfeit the Taurus pistol and the ammunition he possessed – a small victory in preventing further potential misuse. No sentencing date has been set yet, leaving Risco’s fate hanging in the balance.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of the Middle District of Florida announced the guilty plea, framing the case within the larger context of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN). PSN is a federal initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, focused enforcement, and measurable results.

While the DOJ touts PSN’s principles, the reality on the streets of North Fort Myers, and across the nation, is a persistent flow of illegal firearms. This case, though seemingly isolated, underscores the continuous effort required to disrupt that flow and hold accountable those who disregard the law. The ATF’s involvement signals the agency’s focus on tracing and investigating illegal firearms, a critical component of stemming gun violence.

The details of Risco’s prior felony conviction have not been publicly released, raising questions about the nature of his initial offense and the circumstances that led to this subsequent charge. As Risco awaits sentencing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegally possessing a firearm, and the relentless work of law enforcement to keep dangerous weapons off the streets.

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