Dwayne Eric Thompson, Illegally Possessing a Loaded Firearm, Florida 2024

A Jacksonville man has been found guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Dwayne Eric Thompson, 39, was convicted by a federal jury in a case investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

According to evidence presented at trial, Thompson was arrested on an outstanding warrant by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and his car was searched. A loaded pistol was recovered from the center console. During the search, Thompson and the other passengers denied knowledge and ownership of the firearm. DNA evidence presented at the trial showed that Thompson’s DNA was present on the firearm and the loaded magazine.

At the time, Thompson had multiple prior felony convictions and was on federal supervised release, having previously been convicted by a federal trial jury in 2010 of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Thompson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Thompson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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.

On May 26, 2021, the government launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture.

The case against Dwayne Eric Thompson is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of keeping our communities safe. As a convicted felon, Thompson had a duty to comply with the law and avoid possessing a firearm. His actions put himself and others at risk, and he will now face the consequences of those actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jury-convicts-jacksonville-felon-illegally-possessing-loaded-firearm