Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Luis Alberto Correa, a 34-year-old resident of Milton, Florida, has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon and violating the terms of his supervised release. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Keeping our communities safe means keeping firearms out of the hands of violent felons, like this defendant. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver another successful prosecution of an offender who has amply demonstrated that he belongs behind bars rather than free on our streets to threaten our community.”
According to court records, Correa was previously sentenced in 2016 to 170 months in federal prison for drug conspiracy and causing a death with a firearm. After serving that sentence and while under supervised release from the United States Probation Office, Correa was found in December 2024 with three firearms and bulk ammunition which he had illegally obtained. He admitted knowing he was not allowed to possess these items due to his prior felony conviction. In addition, Correa admitted violating his supervised release by possessing firearms, ammunition, and marijuana.
Sheriff Bob Johnson commented: “The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the opportunity to assist in the investigation that led to the conviction and sentencing of Luis Alberto Correa as part of Operation Take Back America. This outcome reflects the strong cooperation among our local, state, and federal partners, all committed to removing felony offenders from our streets and keeping our community safe. We thank our agencies and citizens for their continued support as we work together to protect Santa Rosa County.”
Correa received a sentence of 24 months for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon with an additional consecutive 18 months for violating supervised release conditions.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, with help from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices nationwide responsible for prosecuting federal crimes under direction from the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed online through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Additional information about this office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
