Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Lee Manuel Colson, a 45-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been convicted by a federal jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Our community is safer now that we are returning this repeat felon back behind bars where he belongs. My office is fully committed to fulfill the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting and aggressively prosecuting the criminals victimizing our communities. Thanks to the tenacious prosecutors in my office and the hard work of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous felon will be removed from our streets.”
The trial presented evidence that on July 11, 2024, during a search conducted by the United States Probation Office at Colson's residence, two pistols were found in his bedroom drawer. Colson acknowledged that he possessed these firearms. His criminal record includes 22 prior felony convictions with past federal convictions related to drug trafficking and firearm offenses for which he served 90 months in prison.
Colson could face up to 17 years in prison at sentencing along with an additional term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by several agencies including the United States Probation Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph A. Ravelo and James A. McCain.
Sentencing is set for September 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Judge Mark E. Walker.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
For further details on public court documents or information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, individuals are encouraged to visit their official website.
