JACKSONVILLE, FL – Dwayne Eric Thompson, 39, is heading back to federal prison after a jury found him guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced Thompson to seven years behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. This isn’t Thompson’s first rodeo; he was already on supervised release for a prior firearms conviction when he was caught with the weapon.
The bust went down when Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers pulled Thompson over. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded pistol tucked away in the center console. Thompson, along with his passengers, immediately claimed to have no knowledge of the firearm. A convenient story, but one quickly debunked by forensic evidence.
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence at trial that definitively linked Thompson to both the gun and the loaded magazine. The evidence didn’t lie: Thompson’s DNA was all over it. Despite the denials, the jury saw through the charade, delivering a guilty verdict on July 11th. Thompson’s history as a multiple convicted felon automatically disqualifies him from legally possessing firearms under federal law.
This case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro led the prosecution, building a solid case based on physical evidence and Thompson’s own criminal record. The feds aren’t letting up on repeat offenders.
Federal authorities are framing Thompson’s sentencing as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategic enforcement.
Thompson’s seven-year sentence sends a clear message: Jacksonville’s streets won’t tolerate repeat offenders flouting gun laws. With a lengthy record and a blatant disregard for the law, Thompson is now paying the price for his actions. The ATF’s Tampa Field Division oversaw the investigation, and the outcome is a win for those working to keep illegal weapons off the streets.
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