FORT MYERS, FL – A Cape Coral man with a criminal past is facing serious federal time after admitting to illegally packing heat on school grounds. Wyatt Olen Henderson, 64, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a charge stemming from a May 12th incident at a Lee County school. Henderson, it turns out, wasn’t just visiting – he was an employee.
According to court documents, deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office spotted Henderson openly carrying a loaded firearm holstered to his hip while on the school campus. This wasn’t a case of mistaken identity or a forgotten permit. Henderson had already served time in federal prison for a prior felony conviction, a fact that legally barred him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition. He ignored that law.
The arrest wasn’t a random encounter. Law enforcement was actively investigating potential threats when they encountered Henderson, sources tell Grimy Times. The specifics of what prompted the initial scrutiny remain sealed, but the discovery of the loaded weapon quickly escalated the situation. Henderson offered no immediate explanation for his actions, leaving investigators to piece together his motives.
Federal prosecutors are now seeking a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for Henderson. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg’s office is handling the prosecution, with Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth leading the charge. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, leaving Henderson to await his fate behind bars.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting a coordinated push to combat gun violence. This case is being touted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” initiative, a broad program aimed at reducing violent crime through increased law enforcement collaboration and community engagement.
While officials celebrate the arrest as a win for school safety, questions remain about how a convicted felon was employed at a school in the first place. Background checks and vetting procedures are now under scrutiny, raising concerns about potential systemic failures. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and investigate the circumstances surrounding Henderson’s employment and access to a school campus.
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