Ernest Lee Thomas II, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Florida 2025

Pensacola Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ernest Lee Thomas II, 35, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the plea. Heekin said, ‘The outstanding work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, in close collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, led to this successful prosecution, which will ensure this dangerous offender is kept off our streets. The safety of our communities is non-negotiable, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute all violations of federal law to incapacitate criminal offenders who threaten our peace.’

According to court documents, on May 31, 2025, deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Thomas. During the traffic stop, a search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded black .45-caliber Taurus handgun with a round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. While speaking with law enforcement, Thomas made statements indicating the firearm belonged to him.

Thomas had previously been convicted in the Northern District of Florida of Distribution of Cocaine and Possession of Stolen Firearms.

The defendant faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 9:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/federal-felon-pleads-guilty-firearm-offense