TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lee Manuel Colson, 45, is looking at serious time after a federal jury convicted him yesterday of possessing firearms despite a lengthy rap sheet and being on supervised release. The conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, and it’s a clear signal this office isn’t playing games when it comes to repeat offenders.
“Our community is safer now that we are returning this repeat felon back behind bars where he belongs,” Heekin stated, echoing the hardline stance of the Trump and Bondi administrations. “My office is fully committed to fulfill the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting and aggressively prosecuting the criminals victimizing our communities.” This isn’t just about one gun; it’s about a pattern of criminal behavior and a commitment to keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.
The evidence presented at trial painted a damning picture. On July 11, 2024, the United States Probation Office, conducting a routine check, discovered two pistols stashed in a drawer in Colson’s bedroom. Colson didn’t deny the firearms were there. That’s because this wasn’t his first rodeo. The man has a staggering 22 prior felony convictions – including a 90-month stretch in prison for previous federal drug-trafficking and firearm offenses. This wasn’t a first mistake; it was a continuation of a criminal lifestyle.
Now, Colson faces up to 17 years in prison, plus an additional term of supervised release. Considering his history, prosecutors are likely to push for the maximum sentence. This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative designed to dismantle criminal organizations and protect communities. The operation streamlines resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood, indicating a broader crackdown is underway.
The investigation was a coordinated effort between the United States Probation Office, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph A. Ravelo and James A. McCain skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid argument that Colson knowingly violated the terms of his release and posed a danger to the public.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 across the nation, is clearly demonstrating its commitment to aggressively prosecuting those who threaten public safety. Public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Further information on the US Attorney’s Office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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