U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Warren Gregory Edwards, a 34-year-old resident of Fort Myers, to two years and six months in federal prison. Edwards was convicted for possessing a firearm as a felon and trafficking marijuana. The court also mandated the forfeiture of the Smith & Wesson firearm involved in the offense. Edwards entered a guilty plea on December 5, 2024.

Court documents reveal that deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stopped Edwards for not wearing a seatbelt. During the stop, deputies detected the smell of marijuana, leading to a search of his vehicle. Inside, they found a Smith & Wesson handgun and multiple bags of marijuana. Most of the marijuana was contained in a large clear plastic bag alongside several new empty smaller bags. A scale and cup with marijuana residue were also discovered in the car. Edwards admitted ownership of both the marijuana and firearm despite being prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felon in possession.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an investigation into this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites law enforcement at all levels with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while making neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focused on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.