Peninsula City, FL – Carlton Bruce Cooke, a 40-year-old native of Pensacola, has been meted out a severe federal punishment, serving 54 months in federal prison for his brazen firearm offense. The sentence was handed down by John P. Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Heekin emphasized the severity of Cooke’s actions, stating, ‘Our office is committed to confronting violent offenders with the full force of the law. Cooke’s crime didn’t just involve unlawful possession; he used a firearm to threaten others.’ He cited Operation Take Back America as a testament to their efforts in keeping communities safe.
According to court records, an early morning incident on July 10, 2024, witnessed Cooke exit his residence wielding a firearm, ordering everyone out and firing into the ground. A subsequent search warrant turned up two loaded handguns. This isn’t Cooke’s first brush with firearms: he has multiple prior convictions for similar offenses.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan handled the prosecution.
Operation Take Back America is a national initiative that pools Department of Justice resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. It includes OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood programs.
The Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office leads the nation in litigating federal cases under the Attorney General’s direction. For court documents, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. More about the office can be found at Operation Take Back America.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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