Leesburg Felon Faces Decade for Illegal Gun

OCALA, FLORIDA – Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr., 34, of Leesburg, is staring down the barrel of a potential ten-year federal prison sentence after being indicted on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case, announced by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on repeat offenders illegally armed.

According to the indictment, Leeks isn’t a stranger to the system. He’s been a convicted felon since 2013, carrying two prior felony convictions – including a serious charge of robbery with a deadly weapon. Federal law explicitly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition, a rule Leeks allegedly broke on July 13, 2019, when he was found to be in possession of both.

The bust is the result of a joint investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies have been working to keep weapons out of the hands of those legally barred from owning them. Details of how Leeks came to possess the firearm remain sealed as the case progresses.

While the indictment represents a formal accusation, it’s crucial to remember that Leeks is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The wheels of justice will turn, and it will be up to the prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson, to build a case strong enough to secure a conviction.

This case isn’t being treated as an isolated incident. It’s part of “Operation Take Back America,” a sweeping nationwide initiative from the Department of Justice. The operation aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), combat illegal immigration, and, critically, reduce violent crime in communities across the country. Resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) are being funneled into this effort.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds. With a maximum penalty of 10 years on the line, the outcome could have significant consequences for Leeks and sends a clear message that federal authorities are taking illegal firearm possession seriously in Florida and beyond. Expect further updates as the legal process moves forward.