Jason Harris, Illegal Firearm Attempt, Florida 2024

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Another prohibited individual tried to arm himself in Florida, and now he’s facing federal time. Jason Harris, 42, of Palm Coast, pleaded guilty Wednesday to making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced.

Harris attempted to purchase a firearm, filling out the required ATF Form 4473. On that form, he swore he wasn’t a convicted felon. That was a lie. Court documents reveal Harris has a rap sheet stretching back years, including convictions for robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and cocaine trafficking. All offenses that permanently disqualify him from owning a gun under federal law.

The scheme unraveled thanks to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Every denied firearm purchase flags a potential violation, and federal agents routinely review those denials. This isn’t some bureaucratic oversight; it’s a direct line to catching criminals trying to circumvent the law. The ATF spearheaded the investigation, which quickly confirmed Harris’s extensive criminal past.

“Making false statements to obtain a firearm is a serious offense,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. While the statement feels boilerplate, the reality is clear: lying on a federal form carries a stiff penalty. Harris now faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date hasn’t been scheduled yet.

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in 2021, emphasizing community partnerships and strategic enforcement. In theory, it’s about more than just arrests; it’s about preventing violence before it happens.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Talbot is prosecuting the case. While this conviction is a small win, it highlights the constant battle to keep guns out of the hands of those legally barred from possessing them. The ATF’s Tampa Field Division conducted the investigation, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to firearms enforcement in the region. Expect more cases like this to surface as the NICS system continues to flag illegal attempts.

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