U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced William Earl Union, Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Jacksonville, Florida, to seven years in federal prison. The sentence is for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Additionally, the court ordered Union to forfeit a Mossberg shotgun, a Smith and Wesson revolver, and related ammunition. Union had entered a guilty plea on August 22, 2024.
The incident that led to Union's arrest occurred on November 25, 2023. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on Rugby Road in Jacksonville. Upon arrival, JFRD and EMTs found Union with apparent penetration wounds near his chest and injuries to his hands. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.
JSO officers discovered blood drops on the home's front porch leading to the backyard, where they found evidence of an explosion near a stone fire pit. The JSO Hazardous Devices Unit identified a drywall screw partially submerged in dirt at the blast site along with two live shotgun shells nearby. A search warrant executed by detectives uncovered three firearms inside the residence: a Taurus International pistol, a Smith and Wesson revolver, and a Mossberg shotgun.
Union's prior felony convictions include aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, dealing in stolen property, burglary, grand theft auto, and possession of cocaine. These convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering trust within communities while supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs.
