TAMPA, FL – A repeat offender is facing a hefty federal sentence after being caught with a loaded handgun while already wanted on outstanding charges. Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson, 48, of Del Rio, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a charge that carries a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA).
The bust went down October 18, 2022, in Tampa’s Sulphur Springs neighborhood. Officers from the Tampa Police Department, recognizing Jackson from prior encounters, moved to arrest him on an outstanding warrant stemming from a September 7, 2022, federal indictment for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. During the arrest, officers discovered a Phoenix Arms HP22A .22 caliber pistol tucked into Jackson’s waistband. A search also yielded a crack rock and a small amount of MDMA, adding to his legal woes.
According to the plea agreement, Jackson admitted to carrying the firearm for two weeks, claiming he needed it for “protection.” But federal law had other ideas. Jackson’s extensive criminal history – multiple prior felony drug convictions – permanently bars him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition. The ACCA ensures that habitual offenders like Jackson face significantly harsher penalties for gun crimes.
This wasn’t a simple street stop. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tampa Police Department, highlighting the collaborative approach to tackling gun violence. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Shauna S. Hale are prosecuting the case, signaling the seriousness with which the Department of Justice is pursuing firearm offenses.
Federal prosecutors are framing the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement and community engagement. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, focused enforcement, and measurable results. However, for Jackson, the ‘safe neighborhood’ project has only delivered a one-way ticket to federal prison.
A sentencing date has not yet been set, but with a mandatory minimum of 15 years looming, Jackson can likely expect a long stay behind bars. This case serves as a stark reminder that convicted felons found in possession of firearms will face the full weight of federal law, especially under the strict provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF continues to investigate firearm-related offenses.
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