SARASOTA, FL – Terrence Thompson, 42, of Sarasota, is headed to federal prison for six years after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung, bringing a hard stop to Thompson’s repeated brushes with the law.
The case unfolded on December 9, 2022, when Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance near Lalani Boulevard and Bee Ridge Road. It wasn’t a domestic dispute or a simple noise complaint; it quickly became a chase. SCSO’s Aviation Unit, using a helicopter, tracked Thompson’s vehicle as he fled the scene. The aerial view captured Thompson ditching a small, pistol-shaped object into the bushes near Crescent Ridge Road and Bee Ridge Road – a desperate attempt to erase evidence.
Deputies swiftly located the discarded weapon: a loaded Bersa Thunder 380 pistol. Thompson was apprehended shortly after. During questioning by ATF agents, he didn’t bother denying his actions. He admitted to being a convicted felon and possessing the handgun, confirming he’d tossed it aside when he realized he was being pursued from above. Federal law is clear: convicted felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition, period.
This wasn’t Thompson’s first rodeo. Court records reveal a history of convictions, making him a multi-time offender. The six-year sentence reflects the severity of his actions and the court’s commitment to keeping dangerous individuals off the streets. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF worked in tandem to build the case, showcasing effective interagency cooperation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Diego F. Novaes prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and pushing for a significant prison term. The prosecution underscores the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable. This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program focused on reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations.
The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. While programs are important, the simple fact remains: Terrence Thompson, a convicted felon, had a loaded handgun. Now, he has six years to contemplate his choices behind bars. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF was involved in the investigation.
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