JACKSONVILLE, FL – Cory Lee Kelly, 34, of Jacksonville, is facing a potential 15-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This isn’t Kelly’s first rodeo with firearms charges – he was already out on bond for separate gun offenses when he was caught again.
The trouble began April 28, 2022, when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper pulled Kelly over for a simple seatbelt violation. That quick stop spiraled into a search after the trooper smelled marijuana. Kelly lacked a valid driver’s license and had an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license. The search revealed not just marijuana remnants, but a Glock-type pistol hidden under the driver’s seat. Worse, the weapon had no serial number, was loaded with 26 rounds, and equipped with a “Glock switch” – a cheap and dangerous device that turns a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun.
Despite the serious state charges stemming from that bust, Kelly was released on bond May 3, 2022. Less than two months later, on July 19, 2022, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers spotted Kelly speeding in a car with illegal window tint and expired registration. Another traffic stop. Another whiff of marijuana. This time, officers found a loaded AR-style semi-automatic pistol within Kelly’s reach, along with counterfeit currency and bags of marijuana and crack cocaine. More arrests followed.
Even with two state prosecutions pending, Kelly was again released on bond September 1, 2022. Federal authorities finally stepped in, indicting Kelly on September 15, 2022, for the federal charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. When federal agents raided his home on September 22, 2022, they found *another* loaded shotgun on the bathroom floor. A convicted felon, Kelly is legally prohibited from owning any firearms or ammunition.
Kelly’s prior conviction? Possession of a controlled substance while armed – a felony. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican and is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The investigation was a joint effort by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but with a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, Kelly’s pattern of repeat offenses suggests a lengthy stay behind bars is likely. This case highlights the revolving door justice system and the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping dangerous, repeat offenders off the streets.
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