Deanthony Flowers, Firearm Possession, Florida 2023

Tampa, FL - A convicted felon has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for possessing a firearm in Florida.

Deanthony Flowers, 36, of Lakeland, was sentenced to five years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung in February 2025, after Flowers pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to court documents, on July 12, 2023, officers with the Lakeland Police Department pulled over the vehicle Flowers was driving. Flowers was the sole occupant of the automobile. As the officers approached the vehicle, they observed a firearm wedged between the seats.

Officers later determined that the firearm, a Glock Model 31, Gen 4 .357 pistol with a loaded magazine, had been reported stolen. At the time, Flowers had multiple prior felony convictions, including failure to register as a career offender, burglary and grand theft, felony battery, attempted robbery, and armed burglary. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Flowers' sentence reflects the serious nature of his crime and the need to hold convicted felons accountable for their actions. The sentence also highlights the importance of community-based programs that work to prevent violence and gun crime.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-more-five-years-possession-firearm