JACKSONVILLE, FL – Paul Steven Hulbert, 28, of Middleburg, Florida, is headed to federal prison for three years after being convicted of possessing an illegal weapon – a sawed-off shotgun – despite a history of domestic violence and a court order barring him from owning firearms. The sentencing, handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan, highlights the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of abusers.
Court records reveal a disturbing pattern. In May 2021, a Clay County court issued a “Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence with Minor Children” against Hulbert, extending it through September 2022. This injunction explicitly prohibited Hulbert from possessing firearms and mandated he surrender any he owned to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). But Hulbert didn’t comply. He was also convicted of domestic battery in Clay County in October 2021, further cementing the restrictions on his firearm ownership.
Undeterred, Hulbert allegedly acquired *seven* firearms following the injunction and conviction – rifles, pistols, and the ultimately incriminating 12-gauge shotgun. On May 16, 2022, CCSO deputies arrived at Hulbert’s home to serve an arrest warrant for violating the terms of the injunction. During the search, they recovered four rifles, a revolver, a pistol, and the 12-gauge shotgun. It was the shotgun that sealed his fate.
An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) quickly determined the 12-gauge shotgun had been illegally modified – both barrels had been sawed off. Critically, the weapon wasn’t registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, making its possession a federal crime. Hulbert initially appeared in federal court on November 18, 2022, and was detained pending trial, ultimately pleading guilty on June 20, 2023.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein prosecuted the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. The case was a joint effort between the CCSO and the ATF Jacksonville Office, falling under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on community trust, preventative measures, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.
While three years in federal prison offers a measure of accountability, it remains to be seen if this sentence will truly protect potential victims. Hulbert’s repeated disregard for the law, coupled with his history of domestic violence, paints a troubling picture. The Grimy Times will continue to track his case and monitor the effectiveness of PSN in Clay County and beyond.
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