U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Carl Samuel Thompson, Jr., a 60-year-old resident of Fort Myers, to 15 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Due to Thompson's extensive criminal history, which includes at least three convictions for violent felonies, he received an enhanced sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Thompson entered a guilty plea on October 30, 2024.

Court records indicate that on April 7, 2024, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle driven by Thompson in North Fort Myers for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies found that Thompson's front seat passenger was hiding a loaded firearm. The investigation revealed that Thompson had given the firearm to his passenger to conceal it after realizing he was being pulled over. As someone with more than ten prior felony convictions, Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together various levels of law enforcement and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN based on principles such as fostering trust in communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth prosecuted it.