A North Fort Myers felon has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possessing a stolen firearm. Michael Lee Stover, 37, pled guilty to the charges on June 12, 2025, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell.
According to court documents, Stover took a firearm from the hood of another man’s car at a carwash in North Fort Myers on April 3, 2025. After taking the gun, Stover fled the scene. Deputies later served a search warrant on Stover’s North Fort Myers residence and located the stolen firearm.
Stover was previously convicted of five felony offenses, including escape from custody (2021), fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer (2021), burglary (2011), aggravated battery (2011), and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (2009). As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
The court also ordered Stover to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The initiative aims to make our communities safer by targeting and prosecuting violent criminals, including those who possess firearms illegally.
The sentencing of Michael Lee Stover serves as a reminder that the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing federal laws and protecting our communities from violent crime. The cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies in this case demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating crime and keeping our streets safe.
RELATED: Paycheck Protection Fraud Ring Nets 23 Guilty Pleas
RELATED: Michaelo Merone Gets 50 Months for Heroin Distribution
Related Federal Cases
- Florida Man Gets 50 Months for Capitol Assault · Washington
- Hialeah Bank Robber Gets 11+ Years · Florida
- Florida Man Gets 4 Years for Capitol Assault · Washington
- Florida Man Gets 18 Months for Capitol Riot & Theft · Washington
- Florida Man Gets 57 Months for Capitol Cop Assault · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
